Bandh welcomes newly formed Kakching District

Thoubal, Dec.10: just a day after the euphoria and heady celebrations on the creation of Kakching District, the newly formed district as well as Thoubal district experienced yet another reality check as normal life in the two districts were greatly affected by a 24-hour bandh imposed since 5 in the morning today protesting the efforts of the central government to change the site of the Sports University from Yaithibi Loukol under Thoubal District. Since the imposition of the bandh called by the National Sports University Demand Committee,Thoubal District, early in the morning, a large number of bandh supporters took to the streets and prevented any vehicular movement along NH-2(Imphal-Moreh) road while tyres were burnt on the road. Traffic in the two districts came to a grinding halt while Wangjing and Khongjom markets bore a deserted look. Shops remain closed. Supporting the bandh called by the National Sports University Demand Committee, Thoubal District, various places in Kakching district remained cut-off with no vehicular traffic. Tyres were burnt and obstacles were laid on the road to prevent any attempt to use the road by the bandh supporters. Kakching market as well as shops in the district also downed their shutters.
It may be mentioned that the present site of the NSU is still mired in controversies regarding allegations of forcible acquisitions as well as non-payment of compensations, while there is report of the state government considering the offer of free land by residents of Koutruk Village of Lamshang under Imphal West district for construction of the Sports University.