Correspondent
IMPHAL AUG 1
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 24-hour total bandh organized by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) in Ukhrul paralysed normal life in the hill district today.
The total bandh was called against the state security forces for allegedly upsetting and preventing people from attending a prayer service ‘just peace’ at Ukhrul district headquarters on July 30. The 24 hours total shut down was enforced from July 31 midnight.
Ukhrul district, dominated by the Tangkhul community, was disconnected with the rest of the state as no vehicular movements were reported along all roads leading to the district headquarters, 84 km north-east of Imphal.
The popular wino and view land markets at the beautiful hill station wore deserted look since dawn to dusk while the educational institutions of the town also remain closed in view of the bandh. Most of the Ukhrul residents also stays indoor during the course of the bandh.However there is no report of any unwanted incidents till the report goes to the press.
It may be noted that the decision to call the total bandh was decided in an emergency meeting of all the Tangkhul civil organization leaders, sources said. The meeting was attended by representatives of Tangkhul Sinao Long (Tangkhul Women Association), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Tangkhul Students Union) Tangkhul Mayer Ngala Long (Tangkhul Youth Council) and Tangkhul Naga Wunao Long (Tangkhul Headmen Association).
In a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, the Tangkhul body has demanded immediate revocation of prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC, withdrawal of Manipur Police Commandoes and Indian Reserve Battalion from Ukhrul district and unconditional release of eight arrested NSCN-IM cadres and restoration of civil liaison office of the outfit.
The state authority has promulgated prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC besides sending Manipur police commandoes and Indian reserve battalion teams after the gunning down of Ngalangzar Malue Autonomous District Council (ADC) member of Ukhrul at Finch corner in Ukhrul district. The force also arrested 8 cadres of NSCN-IM from a camp in Ukhrul town.
Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam while briefing media on Thursday said, the government has deployed state force to protect the life and property and bring peace in the hill town. But some organisations are spreading the misleading statement and trying to keep far government from the people. He said instead of condemning the act of killing ADC member they are condemning the government, this is very unfortunate. Gaikhangam who is also holds the home portfolio said the district administration promulgated prohibitory order in Ukhrul like those in Imphal area.
