Senapati CSOs to go ahead with blockade

Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Nov 4: Even as the 24 hours shutdown that began at 4 pm on Saturday ended peacefully at 4 pm on Sunday without any untoward, Senapati CSOs have decided to go ahead with restrictions on movement of all commercial vehicles beyond Senapati district till the issues are resolved.
In a press release, Senapati district frontal organizations consisting of the Naga Peoples' Organization (NPO), Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) expressed gratitude to all commuters and the general public for their cooperation to the 24-hour total shutdown.
The protest was organized in response to the persistent harassment and extortion by certain elements from the Meitei and Kuki communities since the onset of the ethnic clash in the State.
A recent incident has intensified these concerns where two individuals namely V Hrangao Blesson s/o L Veino of Kodom Khullen village and Dalou s/o Hriinii of Liyai Khullen village were assaulted and a sum of Rupees 61,400 was extorted at gunpoint.
Despite the gravity of this incident there has been no attempt by responsible civil society organizations (CSO) representing the involved community to mediate or address the issue.
The Senapati based CSOs said that the victims are well aware of the parties involved even though the culprits are attempting to feign innocence.
The bodies stated that they are moving forward with an indefinite blockade on commercial vehicular movement beyond Senapati headquarters.
The district frontal organisations also sought continued public support to their democratic agitation.
A number of Naga civil society organisations have also come out strongly against the assault of the two Poumai youths.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), All Naga Traders Association Manipur (ANTAM) and Kodom Union have strongly condemned the physical assault and robbery of the two youths on October 31 at Lamshang.
In a statement, TNL demanded an "unqualified apology" from the perpetrators. TNL also urged the authority concerned of the State Government to book the culprits and compensate the victims.
A condemnation issued by the Media & Publicity Wing of ANTAM has also called upon the law enforcing authorities and the State Government to undertake a comprehensive investigation to ensure those responsible are punished according to the law of the land while adding that such acts of aggression erode public trust and compromise the security and rights of every citizen.
ANTAM extended solidarity to the two victims and their families.
The Kodom Union has also urged the concerned authorities to apprehend the culprits and award necessary punishment as per the law and deliver justice to the victims at the earliest.
Notably, V Hrangao Blesson of Kodom Khullen and Dalou of Liyai Khullen were reportedly subjected to assault and robbery allegedly at the hands of Arambai Tenggol members on October 31.
The Mao Union Imphal, Poumai Naga Union (PNU), Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM) and Poumai Natoumai Me (PNM) too have strongly condemned the assault of V Hrangao Blesson and Dalou.
The grevious incident constitutes a direct violation of the safety, dignity and rights of unarmed civilians and stands against the very ideals of a unified and harmonious Manipur, said the Mao Union Imphal.
The Poumai Naga Union and its frontal organisations said they endorse NPO's call for justice against the assault..