IMPHAL, June 18 (NNN): Naga areas of Manipur today witnessed a near-total shutdown affecting normal life as the United Naga Council (UNC) imposed a 24-hour complete bandh which started from midnight of June 17 to show resentment against the “continuous suppression, subjugation and discrimination” by the “communal" Government of Manipur against the Nagas.
The total shutdown call was given by the Naga body amidst a 10-day economic blockade imposed by the JAC against Anti-Tribal Bills backed by Outer Manipur Tribal Forum (OMTF) is underway along all highways passing through hill districts against three bills passed by the Manipur Assembly on August 31, 2015. The blockade ends tomorrow.
At the same time, the UNC shutdown was also to demand that the “Framework Agreement” signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is brought to a conclusion at the earliest. The UNC urged the Government of India to exhibit “political will” and solve the Naga political issue at the earliest. All activities related to both government and private offices, educational institutes and business establishments were disrupted due to the shutdown in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel districts. No passenger carrying vehicles were seen plying nor were private vehicles running on the road. The bandh passed off without any untoward incident.
