KANGPOKPI, Aug.21: The 24-hour total bandh called by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur to press the state Government and Manipur University Authority for implementation of Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 from the current academic session concluded today.
The total bandh was by and large peaceful till reports last came in barring an incident of beating KSO Churachandpur district general secretary, Haoneo Baite at Churachandpur by the district Police personnel.
Condemning the high-handedness of Churachandpur Police, Emboi Serto, president ATSUM, in a very disillusioned tone asserted that superintendent of police, Churachandpur was called for explanation at the KSO, Churachandpur district office but he did not turn up.
The SP Churachandpur should at the earliest render apology before the student body takes far-reaching action, he warned.
The tribal student apex body chief also said that they received a call for negotiation today from the government but ignored it stating that “there is no room for negotiation at this juncture while the bandh has already been in its full swing.”
“If the government holds the spirit of negotiation why was it delayed for so long while the door has been open for many days”, added Emboi.
He continued that executive meeting of the student body will be held tomorrow at the State capital for the proposed indefinite economic blockade from midnight of August 22 and further course of agitations.
Vehicular traffic on all national highways passing through hill districts was paralysed and normal life was affected due to the bandh today.
Reports from Motbung, Sapormeina, Champhai, Leimakhong and Saikul within Sadar Hills and Senapati DHQ., Maram as well as Mao indicated the bandh was peaceful and total.
There are some loaded trucks and passenger vehicles stranded at Mao gate and Senapati DHQ, further indicated the reports.
Students from Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal and other who come for Interstate Youth Festival were given foods and other necessary merchandise at Senapati DHQ by SDSA in good faith while they have been escorted safely towards the State capital by Senapati police said reports from The Hornbill Express, the lone daily newspaper of the district.
At Kangpokpi, shops and other commercial establishments, banks and government office remained closed while managements of private educational institutions and government schools as well as colleges declared a holiday with no report of any untoward incidents rendering the town a deserted looked.
A school principal told the local media that the school management is very much concerned of the student but considering the genuine demand of the ATSUM we feel important to observe the bandh called in the interest of the tribal future.
Parents and guardians of some student pointed out that in fact we are very much worn out of frequent bandh and closure of schools due to one reason or the others however, concerning the demand of the student body and the government as well as the concerned authority attitude we put up with no regret.
A non-local businessman said all business establishments have always been on the deplete part whenever any bandh has been effective but we have to bear for the good cause