The 48-hour strike/bandh called by Mapithel Dam Affected Headmen, Chief and Elders Organization (MDAHCEO) and Joint Action Committee Against Force Construction of Mapithel Dam along Imphal-Kamjong and Imphal-Ukhrul roads for the frist 24-hour ended peacefully.
In a joint press release issued on September 28, MDAHCEO and JAC had called to shutdown Imphal-Kamjong and Imphal-Ukhrul roads for 48-hour from October 6 midnight till October 7 midnight seeking the support of all the CSOs and NGOs for the proposed strike/bandh to protest against the non fulfillment of the agreed terms and conditions of compensation, economic livelihood rehabilitation of the seven affected villages left out under the Memorandum of Agreement signed dated December 4, 2020 under point No.1-19 for further action within September 25, 2021.
The joint organisations had sought the support of CSOs and NGOs and well wishers of Manipur in enforcing the purpose strike/bandh.
Medical, electricity, marriages, examinations and emergency services are relaxed during strike/bandh.
The organizations had earlier submitted a memorandum on September 16, 2021 to the commissioner, (W.R.) govt. of Manipur, Imphal, deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi districts, engineer in chief, water resources department Imphal demanding to implement and pay according to the agreed points SL. NO. 1-19 as per memorandum of Agreement (MOA) dated December 4, 2020 on or before September 25, 2021.
“There was no response or action taken by the concerned authorities, hence the organization have taken a decision to call bandh as an alternative way in the interest of landless affected villagers,” said the organization’s vice president, Thanmi Rimai.
He further told Ukhrul Times reported that there was no response from the concerned authority even on Wednesday. “The bandh will continue as planned and there will be more such agitation activities covering more areas if the concerned authorities fail to respond or pay heed to the said memorandum.”