Ukhrul, August 07 2009: The 24-hour bandh imposed in Ukhrul district by the TMNL paralysed normal life in the district with the close down of Government offices, educational institutes, shops and vehicular traffic staying off the road today.

The bandh was imposed to condemn the July 23 incident at BT Road in which two persons were killed and five others injured, to revoke the decision to deploy IRB and police commandos in the hill districts and to check the harassments of villagers by Kuki militants in Kamjong, Itham and Keihao.

Decrying the excesses of police commandos, the president of TMNL (Tangkhul Youth Council), Zanyo Varam said, "The decision of the youth council to impose the 24 hours bandh was taken to denounce the July 23 incident and the State authority's move to deploy commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts of Manipur." The bandh was also imposed to denounce the unwanted acts of Kuki UGs by way of torturing, harassing and imposing of taxes on the villagers of Itham and Keihao villages, Kamjong and Litan areas, the president said, adding, the existing peace and tranquillity in the district should not be disturbed.

While acknowledging individuals and other social organisations for their cooperation in the course of the bandh call, Zanyo has warned the State Government that the stir would be intensified if the Cabinet decision on May 19 to deploy commando and IRB personnel in the hill districts of Manipur is not revoked immediately.

The bandh was peaceful with no report of any untoward incident.

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