Manipuris face hardship with public calls for Bandhs

Imphal, July 29 (ANI): Manipur State government has decided to deploy police commandos and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) to ensure law and order in the hilly areas of the State.

The government's step, however, has faced opposition from a few Naga organizations who recently called for a 48-hour strike, which caused a lot of hardship to local residents.

The bandh was called by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR).

"Bandh and blockade are severely affecting the normal lives of the people living in Manipur, especially those earning their day-to-day livings. Subsequently, the prices of essential commodities are rising," said Benjamin, a local resident.

"We are facing lots of problems. Manipur doesn't have enough resources of its own. As such, people are under pressure," said Holkhomang Guite, a local resident.

Over 135 goods carrying trucks including six inter-state buses were stranded at Mao gate, 109 kms from Imphal.

Trucks carrying goods were stranded there since the commencement of the indefinite economic blockade imposed on the highways by All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM).

Militancy has resulted in instability, disrupted normal life and caused tremendous hardship to the people. With the deployment of the police commandos and IRB, the State government hopes to bring about peace and normalcy.

Manipur Government has started deploying around 700 India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel and 300 police commandos in the hill districts since May 19 following a consistent rise in militant activities in the state.

The decision has been taken to bring peace and stability in the region that has been severely affected by militant activities. (ANI)