By Ruwngthung Hrangbung
CHANDEL, March 1: The 48 hour Total Bandh imposed by the Chandel District Naga Kuki Joint Committee (CDNKJC) from midnight of February 27, in protest against the proposed acquisition of 600 acres of land near Pallel and for not fulfilling their demands for shifting of valley based UG surrenderees from the district and transfer of Revenue land Records from Thoubal District by State Government was suspended today.
The decision to suspend the bandh came following an understanding reached between both the he MLAs of 41 A/C Chandel St Nunghlung Victor and 42 Tengnoupal DK Korungthang with the agitating committee during the visit made by the MLAs today.
The MLAs in their meeting with the Committee assured that the demand shall be put in a meeting with the Chief Minister on March 4.
The bandh garnered huge support of the people from all tribes in the district and several organizations thereby making the bandh a success even though there has been no report of the government giving assurance.
Under the initiatives of the Kuki Peoples’ Forum Chandel and supported by Western Chandel Joint Action Committee and the Kuki Students Organization, Gunpi Block bandh supporters mostly of women continue to block the road at Khulmi Bazar in Sugnu area for the second day where tubes and tyres were burnt by the supporters.
Chairman of Western Chandel Joint Action Committee and the president of Kuki Students Organization, Gunpi Block, Kl Kanthu and Jangkholam Guite while speaking to the media today said that the government must fulfil the genuine demand of the people to avoid further agitation from the people.
At Singtom, Zou village, bandh supporters blocked the main road of the Chakpikarong. Bandh was also effective in Khambathel, Beru-Wangkhera and Julbangching in Chandel western valley and Kotsophai and Khupijang was also affected.
Bandh at Sub-divisional head quarters Chakpikarong was total as supporters under the joint efforts of the Anal Naga Chefs’ Association, Chakpikarong sub division, Kangbunglon Anal Naga Chiefs Association, Chakpikarong Bazar Board, Anal Sinnu Ruwl Chakpikarong Branch, Anal Lenruwl Tangpi, Chakpikarong branch, Anal Naga Tangpi.
Passenger transportation also suspended their services. Shops down their shutters and the road and the market wore a deserted look.
While speaking to this correspondent, President of ANCA, Chakpikarong Sub division, RD Thumdang said that if the govt continues to pay a deaf ear even after the protest, Association of the chiefs will extend fullest support to the committee in any further agitation.