Bandh supporters torch passenger carrier
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15, 2011:
Normal vehicular traffic on Imphal-Moreh stretch of the National Highway 39 remained affected on account of the bandh imposed in protest against the killing of Chairman of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BSEM) Dr Naorem Kunjabihari while a Tata Magic van passenger carrier was set aflame by suspected bandh supporters near Kiyamgei Pal Ahanbi today morning.
The JAC formed in protest against the killing has called the bandh decrying failure of the Government to give a positive response to its demand for investigation into the incident and arresting the killers.
The Tata Magic (MN-04A/3091) was heading towards Khongjom after picking up passengers from Imphal, when the bandh supporters intercepted it and set on fire at around 10 am today.
Fire service personnel from Imphal rushed in to douse the fire.
This was the second incident of setting on fire vehicles by bandh supporters.
Soon after the bandh came into force at 6.30 pm yesterday, a Maruti Van was also set aflame by suspected bandh supporters near Naorem Leikai Laishram Leirak along NH-39 at around 7.10 pm.
To enforce the bandh, many bandh supporters also burnt tyres along the road from Singjamei to Lilong.
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They also pelted stones at passenger auto-rickshaws, plying in defiance of the bandh.
The bandh was total at Naorem Leikai area which is also the birth place of the slain Chairman.
Police fired tear gas canisters to disperse the bandh supporters and reopened the road in the afternoon today.
Even though police have taken up every possible measures to ensure re-opening of the road, number of vehicles plying on the road was negligible.
Most of the vehicles took diversion routes to reach their respective destinations.
Burning of tyres along the road was also witnessed along Liwa Lambi in the afternoon.
But police came and cleared the road.Apart from burning of the Tata Magic passenger carrier, there is no other report of violence during the bandh.
It may be recalled here that BSEM Chairman Dr Naorem Kunjabihari was found shot dead inside his own office room located in the high security zone Babupara in the afternoon of January 11. The JAC formed in protest of the killing has demanded roping in the service of CBI to investigate into the incident among other demands that have been highlighted in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister.
The JAC and the bereaved family have also decided not to take back the body until these demands were considered.
Meanwhile, police have informed that body of late Dr Kunjabihari (60) s/o late N Chaoba Singh of Kakwa Naorem Leikai, which is still being kept at the RIMS morgue after inquest and PM, would be disposed off as per the provisions of law if no one claims the body on or before January 17.