Lightning bandh at Kangpokpi
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 29 2023: Amid volatile protests in Churachandpur district since April 27 afternoon, a lightning bandh was witnessed along National Highway-2 for around six hours from 9.30 pm of April 28 till 3.30 am the next morning.

It is reported that vehicular movements resum- ed along the highway stretch and all shops were opened today.

The highway blockade was reportedly enforced by a group of enraged youth in the backdrop of the Churachandpur protest as a mark of solidarity and support towards the protesting tribal people of Chura-chandpur.

The irate protesters were seen blocking the highway by burning woods in the middle of the road apart from laying stones and big logs at Gamgiphai and Lower Khengjang.

Around 70/80 volunteers, mostly youth, were seen blocking the road.

On the condition of anonymity, one of the volunteers said that they came out on the street and resorted to the lightning bandh in solidarity with the protesting tribal people in Churachandpur district.

However no vehicles were stranded at the protest site as they took a U-turn after witnessing the blockade.

Security forces were seen at Gamnom Sapormeina and Kangpokpi police stations halting vehicles, mostly commercial and a few passenger vehicles for safety.

Kangpokpi district police were also seen deployed around the protest site and along the highway to monitor the situation.

No untoward incidents were witnessed during the protest.

Later, at around 3:30 am, the protesting youth dispersed after the protest in Churachandpur subsided.

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