36 hours Manipur Bandh hits normal life

Guwahati: The 36 hours total shutdown called by Peoples' Alliance Manipur (PAM), a conglomerate of various civil society has paralysed Manipur especially the valley districts. The Bandh has been called from 5 am of February 11 to 5 pm of February 12 in protest against the controversial citizenship bill.

Almost all shops and business establishments at Khwairambandh Keithel and its surrounding areas along with cinema halls, banks and other private establishments remain closed on the day. People have also staged protest in different areas with banners and slogans against the said bill.

It was reported that BJP source has said that the bill will be placed in the Rajya Sabha on February 12 as supplementary bill which was already passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and is waiting for clearance from the Rajya Sabha.

The Peoples' Convention organised by PAM at GM Hall was attended by various dignitaries including L.Malem Mangal , Advocate Puyam Tomcha , Anwari Noorjahan, Convenor Pam, SM Jalal Convnor PAM, W.Kameshwor , Convenor PAM, M Sayeed Ahmed, President JU and MD Rabi Khan Among others.

While speaking on the occasion, speakers said that the bill will have negative impact on the northeastern states of India.

The peoples' convention also resolved a fast protest at 50 different places of the state against the bill. The organization also informed that if the bill is passed in the Rajya Sabha against the wished of the people of the region, a mass public meeting will be organized on February 20 to decide the fate of the people.

The resolution taken in the meeting will also be sent to the authority of the United Nations, China, Russia and other countries as well.

Meanwhile, thousands of women vendors in Manipur staged a 12 hour sit-in-demonstration on Saturday seeking assurance from the state government that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will not affect Manipur and other northeastern states.

The women vendors who run three markets in Manipur has taken the decision of staging protest to oppose the Citizenship bill and one of the women vendor activist T. Rani said that the government should issue a written assurance to the effect that when enacted the Bill shall not affect the people of the northeastern states.

Also Read: Manipur News