KANGPOKPI, October 23: The first day of UNC’s 48 hr total bandh in tribal dominated areas of the state has partially affected the Trans Asian Highway along Sadar Hills today.
Even though, Thadou Inpi (GHQ) has endorsed the 48 hr UNC bandh, traffic movement resumed as usual from Kangpokpi to Imphal as all passengers vehicles including buses and taxis ply normally along the highway with no reports of interruption the entire day.
Business establishments in places like Kangpokpi, Kalapahar, Champhai (KMC), Sapormeina, Motbung till Gamgiphai remained open for the day while government employees attended their respective activities as usual at Kangpokpi.
So far, no civil society organizations within Sadar Hills expressed endorsement and support to the UNC’s 48 hr bandh in tribal areas.
However, deserted streets, shutter down, poor activities in Government offices and banks dons the day one of the UNC total bandh in different areas of Senapati DHQ, Maram and other places, said Hills Hornbill express in Senapati.
According to the sources, border town Mao-gate was partially busy with local shops open amidst both commercial and private vehicles stranded along the NH-2.
With the number of vehicles especially trucks ferrying essential goods expected to increase by tomorrow, some trucks were seen stranded at Hengbung composite check post since October 22 due to the KPLF/KPLA economic blockade, added the source.
It further said that volunteers at Senapati DHQ strictly monitored the movement of even private vehicles but with some relaxation to vans transporting students.
In Maram, both vehicle movements and business establishments were totally off the road.
With second day expected to pass off peacefully, the 48hrs bandh will conclude on Saturday midnight.
However, more trucks are expected to get stranded at Hengbung and Senapati DHQ due to the economic blockade called by KPLF/KPLA, which will conclude only on October 31.
Senapati Police and Assam Rifles were also seen along the highway with attentive patrols to thwart any untoward incidents.