IMPHAL, November 6 (Newmai News Network): A mini-truck has been burnt down by unidentified persons suspected to be supporters of UNC and ANSAM in Ukhrul last night.
Reports said a mini-truck bearing registration MN02A-3180 was set on fire by suspected bandh supporters at around 10 pm on Saturday at Hundung Junction under Ukhrul police station. The mini truck was transporting mineral water.
Last night’s incident had occurred amid the the United Naga Council (UNC) and All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) sponsored 72-hour bandh in Naga areas has been going on since the midnight of November 3 and will get concluded on the midnight of Sunday. The bandh has been called in protest against the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government of Manipur and Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) for the creation of Saar Hills district by this month.
It is worth noting that during the 72-hour bandh, Tamenglong district witnessed tense situation on Friday following the pandemonium that broke out between the general public and the security forces which resulted in the burning down of three vehicles and incurred injuries to scores of bandh supporters. The incident had happened at Noney along the NH-37.
Following that incident, the United Naga council (UNC) and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) had strongly condemned the incident.
As a protest over the Noney incident, a public curfew, which was enforced from 6 am till 6 pm Saturday had totally paralyzed life in Naga areas in Manipur which have already been affected by a 72-hour total bandh since midnight of November 3. Roads and public places in the hill districts wore a deserted look due to the bandh and the public curfew.
In the meeting organized by UNC and ANSAM on Saturday, many leaders had said the bandh being enforced in Naga areas and economic blockade on national highways should not be lifted until their demands are met by the State government.
UNC and ANSAM leaders, who spoke at the meeting, had announced that an intense agitation will be followed up after the three days total bandh which ends on Sunday.
Public leaders from Longmai area had also expressed unhappiness over the incident that took place at Noney and condemned the police action.