First bandh in Manipur after BJP-led government took over

GUWAHATI: Manipur witnessed first bandh on Sunday under the regime of newly elected BJP-led government. The bandh called against induction of Independent MLA Ashab Uddin as parliamentary secretary has rekindled the migrant and indigenous debate.

The 17-hour bandh called by a student organisation in Manipur, Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has partially effected normal life in Manipur.

The student body has alleged that Ashab uddin is a migrant. BJP has in the run to assembly polls has promised Manipur free from bandh and blockades.

Desam has alleged that people from outside has got elected and this is threat to indigenous people.

Parliamentary secretary appointment is a practice common in North eastern states to rehabilitate large number of aspiring MLA who could not make to cabinet following the bar on number of ministers due to downsizing law. A Parliamentary Secretary is assistant minister.

Ashab Uddin is a Bengali muslim and claims that his family migrated to Manipur way back in 1906.

Some minority groups have backed the MLA. Abdullah Pathan, President, Manipur Muslim Welfare organisation said, “When he fought election, why nobody raised question, now he has won and BJP has formed government, then why they are raising question?”

The state government has issued stern statement where it warned that the Supreme Court of India as well as the Manipur High Court have passed judgments terming bandhs as illegal.

The government statement added, “The rulings of the Supreme Court and the High Court imply that anybody engaged in calling or enforcing bandh is liable to be prosecuted under the law.”

The State Government cannot remain silent when the people are suffering under the impact of bandhs, said the statement and added that the state machinery will be compelled to take legal actions against the persons calling or enforcing a bandh.

The State Government will provide necessary security to all during the bandh. “The State Government had invited representatives of DESAM for a talk, but they failed to turn up,” said the statement.