IMPHAL, July 14: The Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) has called off the 96-hour bandh on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) after the accused persons involved in the hijacking case of a Tata DI at Tadubi were handed over to Nagaland Police today.
The accused persons, namely Thoudam Premkumar alias Ta Manao, 30, son of Budhichandra of Shantipur and Longjam Ibomcha, 36, son of Shyam Singh of Wangoi Longjam Leikai were produced at the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class (JMIC), Imphal West before they were handed over to Nagaland Police.
It may be mentioned that Thoudam Premkumar alias Ta Manao was arrested by Wangoi police along with the hijacked Tata DI from his residence on June 24, but he was released on bail. Ta Manao is a noted Manipuri pop singer who has also appeared in few Manipuri video films.
Meanwhile, the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) suspended the 96-hour bandh on NH-2 with effect from 4.30pm today following handing over of the accused persons along with the vehicle to the Nagaland Police.
SAYO president, Peter Zashümo while informing this stated that the decision was arrived following the partial fulfillment of their demand by the Manipur Government by handing over the hijackers along with the vehicle today afternoon to Nagaland Police for further investigation and legal procedures.
SAYO president, however, said that depending on the subsequent legal proceedings, the bandh could be resumed anytime if it is not satisfactory to the organization.
The organization has extended its appreciation to both Manipur and Nagaland government for their active cooperation for the first time in tracing the missing vehicle and also in arresting the two accused, while further investigation is actively on to nab the remaining hijackers.
SAYO also stated that it will expect such cooperation from both Manipur and Nagaland governments even in the days to come.
It also particularly thanked the district administration of Kohima SP and DC for their initiatives in this particular case.
Furthermore, the SAYO profusely thanked the lady from Makhan village who saved the lives of the two youths from Phesama through her timely intervention.
Further, the SAYO while expressing regrets for the inconvenience caused by the bandh thanked the people of Manipur including the Naga brothers for bearing with it saying that the organization was compelled to call the bandh for a cause.
The youth organization has also extended its sincere apology to the people if their sentiment is hurt in any manner during the process of enforcing the bandh by its volunteers.