Bandh against shifting of district hospital affects normalcy at Sagolmang area; Meitei Pangal dominated area remain tense
Imphal, April 10,
April 10 is perhaps a bad day for the N. Biren Singh led coalition government. After the government received appreciations from almost all people of the state for making a bandh free Manipur, the beginning of 2nd year for the government witnessed two bandhs by two separate bodies on two separate issues today.
Sagolmang area in Khundrakpam Assembly constituency today were full of security forces as bandh supporters protesting against the shifting of the District Hospital where the foundation stone was already erected at Sagolmang to Kiyamgei prevented all vehicular movement in the area. The bandh is being called by the JAC against the shifting of the hospital construction, began since 6 am today morning and will continue till 6 pm today.
Police fired tear gas shells and mock bomb to disperse the bandh supporters. 7 persons were reported injured in the police action.
On the other hand, 48 hours state wide band called by the All Manipur Muslim Co-ordinating Committee (AMMCOC) also severely affected normal life at Lilong, Hatta, Kshetrigao and other Muslim (Pangal) dominated areas.
The bandh is called against the alleged discrimination towards the minority Muslim community of the area. The body alleged for driving out Muslim inhabitants only at various area in the name of protection of the paddy field. On the other hand the Muslim body also alleged the state government for its bias attitude towards the Muslim community as the authority drive out Muslim encroachers only from the bank of Imphal River while other structures belonging to the majority community are left free .
At Mayang Imphal, Lilong, Kshetrigao and Kwakta area large number of bandh supporters prevented all sort of vehicular movement by burning tyres and laying plank in the middle of the road.
Mantripukhri area too saw a large number of Muslims coming out at the National Highway since morning and police team timely put the situation under control.
The twin bandh even though is effective at some area, Imphal city remain normal. Shops and business establishment at Khwairambandh Keithel and Paoana Keithel opened as usual, traffic was not disturbed.
