Newmai News Network
Imphal: The bandh called against the government’s failure to secure the safe release of two Meitei youths who are reported to have been held hostage by the Kuki militants till now has disrupted normal life in Manipur valley today.
Notably, three youths from Thoubal district went missing after they mistakenly strayed into Kangpokpi district while en route to join an army rally at New Keithelmanbi, an adjoining area of Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts, on September 27.
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While the Assam Rifles rescued a youth on the same day, two others are reportedly being held captive by Kuki militants to date.
Following the State Government’s failure to secure the safe release of the two missing youths, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the incident has called a 48-hour bandh in Thoubal district from 3 am on Tuesday, which was later extended to a state-wide bandh.
The public garnered immense support during the bandh in all five valley districts. All the major markets, including Khwairamband Keithel, and all kinds of business establishments remained shut, and transportation services were halted.
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Bandh supporters and womenfolk were seen blocking the roads in various locations of the valley districts by burning tyres and other materials.
However, no untoward incident was reported during the bandh.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stressed on the importance of resolving the ongoing Manipur crisis through peaceful means and dialogue.
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Speaking on the sideline of the “155th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi” which was held today at Gandhi Memorial Hall in Imphal, the Chief Minister appealed to all to believe in the non-violence means advocated by Mahatma Gandhi and the notion of keeping the surroundings neat and clean.
Biren added that the government is trying its best to secure the safe release of the two missing youths who are reportedly being held hostage by the Kuki militants.
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