Earlier before the announcement of the total bandh, a complete ban on the movement of all commercial trucks and tankers both loaded and empty was imposed from January 21 in connection with Keithelmanbi’s Hit and Run case on January 19.
TFM Kangpokpi Representative
The “total bandh” imposed along the National Highway 2 has been called off by the Kangpokpi civil bodies after the government assured to nab the culprits responsible for the hit and run incident of January 19.
The total bandh which began this morning was announced late last night by Kangpokpi civil bodies under the aegis of KSO Sadar Hills as late-night talks with the government representatives reportedly failed.
Earlier before the announcement of the total bandh, a complete ban on the movement of all commercial trucks and tankers both loaded and empty was imposed from January 21 in connection with Keithelmanbi’s Hit and Run case on January 19.
Infuriated mobs and volunteers were seen blocking the highway at Keithelmanbi while strictly enforcing the total bandh. They were seen checking the documents of exempted vehicles such as medical and airport and allowed passage for those bearing genuine documents while the rest were sent back by the volunteers.
Few vehicles moving towards Dimapur’s side coming together with security vehicles were reportedly damaged by the volunteers at Keithelmanbi on Friday. Several oil tankers and LPG bullet trucks were damaged and a handyman purportedly sustained injuries in his eyes because of the pieces of glass from the damaged windshield.
Speaking to media persons, Chongpi Hangshing, Jt. Secretary of Keithelmanbi Youth Association said that they allowed medical and airport-related activities today, but, if the government failed to solve the matter this evening, there will be no more exemption of any type during the purview of the bandh from tomorrow.
Meanwhile, representatives of Kangpokpi civil bodies under the aegis of KSO Sadar Hills including the deceased family, Keithelmanbi Village Authority, and Keithelmanbi Youth Association with the representatives of the government and other stakeholders had another round of meeting at the office chamber of DGP Manipur this afternoon.
According to the KSO Sadar Hills, the government representatives have assured to thoroughly investigate the incident and find the culprit at the earliest following few hints available with them though it will take some days.
“Considering the assurance, we have decided to call off the total bandh keeping faith upon the government,” informed KSO Sadar Hills General Secretary Thangtinlen Haokip after the meeting.
He, however, cautioned that in case the government failed to act according to their assurance, we will initiate more intense forms of agitations.
He also said that after the assurance we have also decided to claim the body of Paokhoseh Chongloi, who was killed in the hit and run case on January 19.