Imphal: The indefinite Imphal-Jiribam highway bandh (shutdown) called in protest against the arrest of three church functionaries of Namthanjang village came into effect yesterday midnight affecting normal traffic on this route.
Large number of trucks were seen stranded along the Highway at New Keithelmanbi Village.
Stones were placed on the highway, fire was lit at the mid of the road, disrupting traffic movement.
Villagers of Namthajang, Keithelmanbi under Sapermaina Police Station, Sadar Hills, Senapati District called the indefinite bandh along the Imphal- Jiribam Road ( NH 37 ), following the apprehension of three villagers by Sapermaina Police.
Bandh supporters claimed that Police has apprehended the villagers on the instigations of one ex – village secretary.
The arrested persons are claimed as the Treasurer of Namthanjang Rongmei village church Gaikhamlung Gangmei (42), Deacon Geihempou Kamei (50) and Secretary Namthanglung Riamei (40).
It is said that they were arrested by a team of Sapermeina police station at around 7 am of March 8 on fabricated charges but police claimed that they were arrested at around noon of March 9.
A large of women folk blocked the road and shouted the slogans demanding immediate release of the arrested without any condition.
A large contingent of Manipur Police including women IRBs, Manipur Rifles came and cleared the road. As per reports, the police forces has dispersed the agitators by firing tear gas shells. (ANI)