THOUBAL, February 3: The indefinite bandh along Imphal-Moreh Section of NH 102 called by villagers of Tengnoupal and spearheaded by the JAC formed in connection with the alleged atrocities of Security Forces in Chandel district intensified on its 5th day today as bandh supporters blocked the highway at different places since this morning.
The bandh was enforced by the volunteers of Kuki Women`™s Human Right of Molnoi Area, Thadou Student`™s Association (TSA) Chandel, Molnoi Area Welfare Committee at H. Kotlenphai near Pallel, while other bandh supporters also blocked the Imphal section of the highway and prohibited vehicular movement along the road since morning besides holding placards inscribed with `Stop atrocities against the people of Chandel district`, We demand 24 hrs free passage on National Highway 102 Imphal-Moreh road`, Don`™t challenge the power of a common man` etc. The bandh was also enforced at Moreh and at all by roads of the Imphal- Moreh section of National Highway by the bandh supporters by burning of tyres and piling of tree branches.
However, there were no report of any unwanted incident till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, in separate press statements, Maring Uparup Assembly, the apex body of the Maring tribe, Imphal Moreh Highway Welfare Committee, Khudengthabi Village Authority and Khudengthabi Women`™s Development Society also strongly condemn the atrocities of the security forces and also endorsed to extend its support in the ongoing agitation against the Assam Rifles.
The All Community Development Organisation, Moreh (ACODOM) has also condemned the government for its failure to bring a solution to the situation regarding the indefinite bandh arising due to alleged hostility of the 24 Assam Rifles.
According to a release of ACODOM, the long imposed bandh has caused great distress to the people of Manipur especially to those who travel along the NH 102 to earn their livelihood and further appealed to bring a solution as soon as possible. The organisation along with Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup, Moreh and various other civil organisations will take up stronger actions in support of the people of Tengnoupal, it said.