Bandh foiled, 132 protesters arrested

Silchar, April 2: Defying the order of the district administration of Cachar, Cachar Pratibadi Mancha (CPM) led by Ansar Hussain Barlaskar hit the streets of Lakhipur sub division along with his supporters on Monday. The bandh, as reported earlier, was called to protest against the alleged statement of VHP all India general secretary Surendra Kumar Jain, calling upon Muslims to return to Hindu fold. Taking umbrage at the statement, the Mancha called the bandh. But, the district administration of Cachar took a hard stand as the permission was not sought by the mancha. The mancha on the other hand tried to take advantage of the sentiments and feelings of the minorities for gaining political mileage.

From early morning, the supporters of the bandh in the minority domited areas of the sub division made desperate attempts to block roads and NH 37 near Fulertal by-pass. There was not much public backing. The police acted swiftly and removed the protesters and all those squatting on the roads and the Highway. Those who tried to disturb the police action were taken into custody by the police. All together 132 persons including 11 women were arrested by a police team headed by Inspector Anwar Hussain Choudhury, officer-in-charge Lakhipur. Magistrate Yahidul Islam and SDPO Gaurav Kumar Aggarwal soon reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Those arrested were released later on.