Bandh called to protest attack on passenger bus

Imphal, Oct 27 (UNI) The All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association today called a 12-hour Manipur bandh on October 29 to protest the torching of a tourist bus with passengers on board, leading to the death of two persons, on October 23 at Lahorijan, Assam, by suspected Kuki militants.

President of the association Athokpam Budha Luwang said considering the frequent attacks on vehicles in Assam and Nagaland, it was decided to suspend all inter-state bus services.

The association said many militant groups on truce with the government were involved in extorting money from transporters from Manipur.

Besides huge monetary demands by militants, security personnel were also involved in illegal tax collection from passenger bus services transporting people of Manipur to Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya, the association alleged.

The association and other organisations supporting the cause of the passenger bus services today submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh urging him to ensure protection of the passengers especially on National Highways 39 and 53.

The Union Surface Transport Ministry and Union Home Ministry were also apprised of the frequent harassment of passengers on the highways.

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF), United Committee Manipur (UCM) and other organisations also condemned the killing of the two passengers, including a woman.

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