NH-150 bandh indefinite, says JAC

IMPHAL, Jan 24 : The JAC against Expansion and Extension of Imphal Airport which began its indefinite bandh on the National Highway-150 passing through the Imphal airport from the 19th of this month has reminded that the bandh is an indefinite one.

Over the last 4 to 5 days, the bandh has been successfully implemented with very few vehicles on the road. The government`s armed personnel have been keeping strict vigil and have been trying to thwart the call of the people. Despite such difficulties, farmers, women groups and all affected people from more than six villages have resolutely stood firm in making their position clear on their demand, it said.

The JAC while condemning the use of government security forces against a democratic movement of the people, requested the government to mend its ways of dealing with affected people.

The JAC once again calls for a more democratic and transparent process when large scale projects are brought in the state. The current airport expansion move is nothing but the outdated top down approach where the people (including the affected people) are supposed to remain as silent spectators and suffer, it said.

Despite four days of continued bandhs the government has not acted on the demand of the JAC. In view of this, the JAC has collectively decided that all political parties, in particular the Congress and the allies of the present government, will not be allowed to function in the Naoriya constituency (project affected area), and all government and offices related to airport (including Airport Authority of India) will no more function in this area until an acceptable solution is arrived between the JAC and the government.

The JAC also noted that if any of the offices or office functionaries are found violating this call, fitting action would be taken up. The JAC shall bear no responsibility for any unwanted happenings, it said