IMPHAL, May 23: The 24 hour state-wide bandh endorsed by the AMUCO, UCM and various other valley based organisations against the lethargic attitude of the state government in tackling the Dzuko valley land encroachment issue hit normal life in the State today.
Although the Committee for Koziirii-Dzuko Land Boundary Resolution had lifted its bandh following an assurance from the Chief Minister for proper demarcation of the State`™s territory after the ADC election and to call upon the central government to intervene and monitor the interstate issue at the earliest, valley based organisations which had endorsed the committee`™s call for bandh proceeded with it.
During the bandh, the State capital wore a deserted look and all shops remained closed for the day.
Vehicles including both private and passengers services remained off the roads.
Government offices recorded low attendance; even banks and educational institutes remained closed for a day.
Bandh volunteers in Chinga Makha, Singjamei burned tyres and wood on the road blocking traffic.
Children were seen playing on most roads in the State capital during the bandh.
It may be mentioned that the land encroachment issue has been going on for many years.
It is also learnt that the road construction initiated by Integrated Rural Tourism and Road Development Authority under the directive of Nagaland government using heavy machinery has penetrated more than 10 kms into the territory of Manipur.
The 24 hour state-wide bandh also morally supported by the All Manipur Bar Association considering that the demonstration from public is necessary due to the government`™s lack of commitment to the issue of land encroachment by the Southern Angami Naga People`™s Organisation.
