Senapati: The 24-hour shutdown that began at 4 pm on Saturday concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Sunday, with no reported incidents during the bandh.
Approximately 100 loaded trucks were stranded near the border town of Mao Gate, including army vehicles which were not exempted from the bandh today.
Also read | 24-hr lightning Shutdown called at Senapati from 4 pm Nov 2 over physical assault & looting case
In a press release, the Senapati district frontal organizations, including the Naga Peoples’ Organization (NPO), Senapati District Women Association (SDWA), and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), expressed gratitude to commuters and the general public for their cooperation during the shutdown.
Also read | ANSAM Opposes HAC’s Ad Hoc Committee Proposal for ADCs
The protest was organized in response to ongoing harassment and extortion allegedly carried out by certain elements from the Meitei and Kuki communities since the onset of ethnic clashes in the state. Concerns were heightened by a recent alarming incident in which two individuals, V. Hrangao Blesson, son of L. Veino from Kodom Khullen Village, and Dalou, son of Hriinii from Liyai Khullen Village, were reportedly targeted for attempted murder and extorted at gunpoint for a sum of ₹61,400 (Sixty-one Thousand Four Hundred Rupees). Despite the seriousness of the incident, there has been no attempt by the Civil Society Organization (CSO) representing the community involved to mediate or address the matter. The release added that while the victims are aware of those involved, the perpetrators are allegedly attempting to deny their involvement.
As the district frontal organizations continue to advocate for the rights and protection of their community, they announced an indefinite restriction on commercial vehicular movement beyond the Senapati headquarters. They called for continued public support as they pursue their democratic agitation.
Also read | Kuki-Zo Council Rejects ‘Adhoc Committees’ for ADCs, Demands Separate Union Territory