Imphal . Normal life was affected in five districts of Imphal Valley due to the bandh called by Meitei group’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) to protest against the kidnapping of two youths in Manipur. Shops and other business establishments remained closed and vehicles remained off the roads in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal districts as protesters blocked roads. Police officials said women blocked NH 102 at Mela Ground in Thoubal, Wangjing, Yaripok and Khangbok.
Women demonstrated on the road near the fair grounds, while youths burnt tires to stop vehicular movement. The bandh started in Thoubal on Tuesday morning. There was a complete shutdown in Khurai and Lamlong in Imphal East district. JAC convenor L Subol said, “The agitation will continue till the release of the youth.” Three youths from Thoubal district were abducted in Kangpokpi last week. Later, one of them was freed, but the other two are missing.
According to the police, along with two friends, N Johnson Singh had gone to New Kithelmambi in Manipur’s Imphal West district to appear for the recruitment exam, but lost his way and reached the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district. The state unit of Congress termed the kidnapping of the youth as a complete failure of the law and order situation in the state.
Speaking to reporters, state Congress chief K Meghchandra said that in a recent joint meeting with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and MLAs, he urged the Chief Minister to implement constitutional provisions and laws of the country. He said, “We also urged them to seek help from Home Minister Amit Shah to rescue the two youths with the help of state and central security forces.” Meghchandra said, “We are unable to understand that the state government Why was it unable to save both the youths and why does the Home Department seem helpless in helping the people.
