IMPHAL, Nov 18: Normal traffic has been affected along the highways including National Highway 2 (Imphal- Dimapur road) following the indefinite bandh imposed along the route by the Kuki State Demand Committee.
Meanwhile, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an umbrella organization of more than 10 Kuki militant outfits have threatened to call of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) if the government does not hold dialogues on the Kuki issues by November 22.
The bandh was most effective in Kuki-dominated areas mainly the Sadar Hill areas. Womenfolk of all ages were seen coming out on all the major highways blockading the roads.
Normal life at Kangpokpi and its surrounding areas has been severely affected by the indefinite public blockade which commenced from 5 pm yesterday.
According to sources, seven loaded trucks heading towards Imphal from Dimapur side has been stoned and damaged at Kangpokpi last night by the Kuki State Demand Committee volunteers but due the swift action of Kangpokpi Police and 43 Assam Rifles the volunteers fled the spot and the trucks escaped without further damage.
Today, all vehicular movement has been shutdown at Kangpokpi area which is the main stronghold of the Kukis . No passenger buses from Kangpokpi to Imphal were seen. Senapati bound public transport inclusive of buses, tata magic etc including private vehicles have also ceased plying.
There is no movement of loaded trucks passing the NH-2. Loaded trucks carrying goods have been stranded at Senapati and Mao.
However, two interstate buses, 5 Tata magic vehicles, 7 cars including some trucks were escorted from Mao till Sekmai by state police. Some of the vehicles escorted today are of a marriage party coming from Dimapur.
At around 7.30 pm, a Santro car was attacked with stones by suspected bandh supporters in between Kangpoki and Daili village.
It may be mentioned that the protestors have not relaxed vehicular movement even for ceremonial purposes and a total bandh has been observed from today onwards.
Meanwhile, the Kuki residents along Chandel district have also imposed a similar stance at Moreh town. Trade activities have ceased from the normal routine as businessmen from Moreh and Imphal cannot transport goods owing to the blockade.
It may be mentioned that the indefinite “public blockade” in all the Kuki areas was announced on November 12 by the Kuki State Demand Committee demanding a separate Kuki state.
In Churachandpur district, bandh volunteers came out and stopped vehicles at Kangvai.
There was no private transport service like buses and wingers on the Tiddim road due to the bandh.
According to SP of Churachandpur, the intensity of the bandh in the district cannot be ascertained as today is Sunday.
At Gwaltabi on the Imphal-Ukhrul road, about a hundred women came out in the streets and blocked traffic.
Speaking on the sidelines of the KSDC bandh to mediapersons the President of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills Thangkam Lupheng said, KSDC is demanding a Kuki state under the Indian constitution to preserve and develop the culture, identity and tradition of the Kukis.
He said, as the demand is legitimate every Kuki is supporting it.