IMPHAL: Life was paralyzed at Moreh in Manipur's Chandel district bordering Myanmar on Thursday, which happened to be the last day of a 48-hour bandh called in protest against the recent arrest of V Sekhar, a leader of Tamil community hailing from the town.
The strike, which began at 6 am of Wednesday, was called jointly by the Border Trade and Chamber of Commerce (BTCC) and Tamil Sangam. Incidentally, Sekhar (42) is the president of the two organizations.
On July 14, Shekhar was arrested at Chennai airport by Madhya Pradesh Police in connection with the alleged murder of his business associate Rajesh Dagar. He has also been charged with drugs (cocaine) smuggling. Rubbishing the charges leveled against Sekhar, the two bodies demanded immediate and unconditional release of the leader. Sources said Sekhar is currently being quizzed at the national capital.
"Sekhar is innocent and has nothing to do with any criminal activities as thought by police. He has been extending all possible support to promote the ongoing trade and commerce between the two countries. We want his unconditional release," a protester said on Thursday.
Because of the bandh, commercial activities between the two neighboring countries were stopped and vehicles were off the roads. Moreh, the focal point of the country's ambitious Look East Policy, transacts around Rs 5 crore in commercial activities.
Though the market at Namphalong town in Myanmar close to Moreh remained open, only a few shoppers were seen there. Responding to the call of the BTCC, a large number of Moreh residents demonstrated against Sekhar's arrest.
Meanwhile, the two groups, in a joint statement, expressed their gratitude to members of all social organizations for extending their support to the bandh.