Bandh Cripples Normal life in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 13 : The 48-hour bandh called by the hill-based United Naga Council in the Naga dominated areas of Manipur has badly affected the normal life in the state. Due to bandh, vehicles have also stopped playing on the National Highway, thus doubling the problem.

The bandh, which began from midnight on Sunday to press for a ‘separate administrative set up’ for the Nagas, hit normal life as all passenger buses and trucks, carrying essential commodities remained stranded on National Highway 39 and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar National Highway 53.
   
Markets, shops and business establishments in Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong district areas remained closed, while transport services between the state capital and headquarters of hill districts Churachandpur were cancelled, official sources said.
   
UNC sources said that the decision to call bandh was taken on August 5 during a meeting of their leaders and added that the council was also likely to boycott Independence Day celebrations if a meeting was not called by the authorities to discuss their demands.
   
It also added that the council would also prevent implementation of national projects, which are being taken up in Naga areas if their demands are not considered.
   
In another development, the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) announced a separate 48-hour bandh at Kuki settled areas of Manipur hills to press its demand for creation of a 'Kukiland' to be carved out of Manipur.
   
The bandh would begin from midnight of August 13 - when UNC-sponsored bandh will end. Sources said, efforts would be made to provide security to vehicles moving along the highways but it would depend on the availability of forces.