A 24 hour peaceful total bandh in Naga areas was observed with effect from the midnight of 15th July, 2014 in protest against the highly vitiated situation brought about by the Government of Manipur(GoM) after promulgating Section 144 of Cr. PC in Ukhrul district headquarters in the wake of the unfortunate incident of the 12th July, 2014. The sentiment of the Naga people on the militarization of Ukhrul town with the deployment of Manipur Police Commandos and the IRBs was demonstrated loud and clear. However, even after lapse of 10 days, the siege of Ukhrul by the communal state forces continued, disrupting normal life, social functions and church programmes, and creating a war like situation and undermining the democratic rights of the people.
Therefore on the 18th July, 2014 a memorandum was dispatched to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in which we reiterated that the Government of India must expedite its intervention with an alternative arrangement, outside the GoM pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue and also demanded the GoI’s intervention for revocation of the vitiating 144 Cr PC, removal of the communal state forces – Police Commandos and Manipur IRB from Naga areas and for ensuring that the GoM observe the ground rules of the Cease-Fire in letter and spirit within 5 days time of that memorandum, which if not considered would be followed with further democratic civil actions.
Having observed no intervention till date from the Government of India, the custodian of the Indian Constitution, which derives its sanctity from the wishes and will of the people, a 48(forty eight) bandh on all vehicular movement of National Highways(NH) in Naga areas ie NH 2, NH 37 & NH 150 will be observed with effect from the midnight of 24th July 2014.
Educational institutions, medical, power and water supply, postal service will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.
While informing the Naga People to remain alert to face any eventuality at this critical time and situation, we urge the general public for their cooperation and solidarity towards our legitimate demands which is being deliberately ignored. Any persons violating the vehicular bandh will be doing so at their own risk.
Publicity Wing
United Naga Council