Youths demonstrate against bandh culture

IMPHAL, May 22: A candle light vigil was organized today by around 100 youths of Manipur at Keishampat appealing to people to renounce bandhs and blockades for promotion of peace in the state.

Monika who was one of the participants said that they are not representing any organization or body but they are just concerned citizens of the state. The agitation gains significance as it was being held in the wake of the recent bandhs and agitations where people were physically hurt or abused by alleged volunteers of the bandh.

“The idea is not to target anyone but to remind ourselves that we are one and it is futile to vent out our frustrations to our own people. This in turn may create more resentment among the public and divert the real cause that everyone is currently aiming for,” she asserted.

Monika further recalled that an estimated revenue of Rs 35 crores loss is incurred every day whenever a bandh or strike is called in Manipur. And till now there have been almost 71 days of bandhs called in 2016 till date, she reminded.

The worst affected ones during this period are the daily wages earners, students and the patients as there have been several instances of students not being able to attend exams and sick and needy people being stopped on their way to medical emergencies hence jeopardizing their career and lives.

She said that we should remember that only sensible discussions and talks can bring us in the direction of a feasible solution and these talks should serve the interest of the common people. It is appealed to all the concern associations and the aggrieved parties to avoid calling bandhs and strikes as much as possible in consideration of the future of children and the society, said Monika.