Imphal, December 11 (MExN): The indefinite bandh on national highways and tribal inhibited areas proposed to be imposed by All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) and All Tribal Chief Forum Manipur (ATCFM) along with Civil Society organizations (CSOs) and public from December 16 has been temporarily suspended till the 2nd week of January 2020.
This was resolved after considering the hardship to be faced by the Christian communities residing in Manipur State especially the tribal community, and after the consultation with other CSOs, ATRPFM and ATCFM, it resolved to temporarily suspend the proposed indefinite bandh in view of Christmas and New Year celebrations, said a press statement from ATRPFM General Secretary, James Haokip.
Further as per the HAC meeting resolution held on December 3, it unanimously reaffirmed the resolution of the Committee held on December 24, 2009 and reiterated that the recognition/creation of village in the Hill areas be under the legitimate rights of the Hills Department Government of Manipur. Through the press statement, the forums strongly appealed the State Government to fulfill “our charter of demand within 2nd week of January 2020,” failing which it shall be compelled to impose indefinite bandh on all National Highways and Tribal inhibited areas from the 3rd week of January 2020. Meanwhile, it also cautioned that the orgnaisations will be observing the steps taken by the HAC to translate the resolution adopted on December 3 in the matters and will accordingly act upon it.
