Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 12 2010:
Police stations across four hill districts of the state, particularly located on the two national highways (NH-39 and 53) have been put on alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the 72-hour Chakka bandh called by the ANSAM in Naga inhabitant areas, commenced from today evening, 6 pm.
An official source said that massages have been sent to the police stations in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel to remain alert to prevent any untoward incidents arising out of the Chakka bandh and thwart any kinds of disturbances that would cause damages to the government properties.
Members of the ANSAM are likely to resort in violent activities like burning and damaging of government properties during the bandh hour, from 6 pm of Monday to 6 pm of Thursday (July 15), the massage of the police department to police stations cautioned.
Security forces deploying on the stretch of NH-53 and 39 have also been asked to intensify patrolling in their respective areas of control, the source disclosed.
ANSAM, on July 8 last, announced imposition of 72-hour chakka bandh in the entire Naga inhabitant areas of Manipur effective from 6 pm of July 12 to 6 pm of July 15 in protest against non-fulfillment of their demands put forwards to the government earlier.
The demands include extension of provisions of 6th Scheduled of Constitution of India in the hill areas of Manipur, review of the present status of legislation with reference to the Manipur (Hill areas) District Council Act, 1971 which was amended in 2008 and revocation of arrest warrant issued by the government against its president, David Choro and president of UNC, Samson.
It is pertinent to mention here that ANSAM had imposed economic blockade on the national highways in Manipur demanding review of the Manipur (Hill areas) District Council (Amendment) Act, 2008 enacted in the hill districts of Manipur for 68 days.
In a case filed against the imposition of blockade on the highways in the high court, the court directed to the police to cause arrest to the leaders of the ANSAM and UNC as they failed to appear in the court despite summon.
Police later, announced wanted to the two leaders with cash rewards of Rs 1 lakh each as the Imphal Bench of the Guwahati High Court directed to arrest them and produce in the court by July 6 last.
Failure on the part of the police to produce them, the court had given one week time submitted a detail report of action taken report as per directive of the court.
The resumption of agitation of ANSAM comes at a time when the people are already reeling under the impact of severe economic hardship imposed by the recent blockade which was suspended temporarily on June 18 .
The prices of essential commodities � foodgrains, fuel and medicines � continue to remain beyond the reach of common people.
The State Government has not been able to contain the spiraling prices, while hoarders are making the most out of the failed governance.