Manipur observes bandh seeking arrest of molester militant

Imphal, Dec 22: Normal life was crippled on Saturday, Dec 22 due to the indefinite state-wide bandh called by a social organisation demanding the arrest of a NSCN-IM ultra who allegedly molested a Manipuri film

at a public function.

All shops, markets, business and entertainment houses remained closed while transport services between Manipur and neighbouring States and within the State were cancelled.

The bandh was called by the Manipur Film Forum (MFF) from midnight, reports said.

Attendance in both Central and State Government offices were affected as buses remained off the road, official sources said, adding that precautionary measures were taken by deploying forces at various locations to prevent any untoward incident.

The decision to call the bandh was taken last evening because the Chief Minister and State leaders had not taken concrete steps to arrest the self-styled Lt Col of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) Livingstone Anal who molested film actress Momoka in public view while she was compering a song competition at Chandel district on Dec 18, a MFF spokesman said.

Livingstone also opened fire at two artists who tried to rescue Momoka but the bullets missed, according to a MFF memorandum submitted to the State Government.

Various major social organisations including United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs Organisations and several other women organisations have extended their support to the indefinite bandh.

PTI