IMPHAL: All Manipur Excavator, Local Truck, Tipper Owners and Workers Association (AMELTTOWA) has imposed a 14 hours state-wide bandh on August 1 from 4 am to 6 pm.

Announcing this during a press meet held today at Manipur Press Club, AMELTTOWA president, K. Rajen said that the bandh was imposed against government apathy towards the sufferings of the sand miners, labourers and transporters, who are now struggling for a means of livelihood.

Speaking to media, Rajen contended that following the ban order of High Court of Manipur on sand mining, quarrying in all rivers and transportation of sand and stones without licences, many labourers were left stranded without any means of income.

He pointed out that a discussion between association members and principal chief conservator of forests and chief conservator of forests held on July 16 resolved that quarrying be allowed temporarily in land owned by individuals themselves by furnishing certificate of origin.

However, the forest department deterred and said that the matter is in the jurisdiction of the directorate of commerce and industries. On the other hand, a notice issued by the additional chief secretary (forest and environment) permits sand mining and quarrying in land owned by individuals themselves by furnishing certificate of origin, he noted.

The AMELTTOWA president lamented that daily wage earners and hand to mouth labourers, who used to derive their means of livelihood from sand mining, quarrying and transportation of the same have been pushed to the extent of starvation. As such, he demanded the government to allow sand mining, quarrying, and transportation as per the notice as an interim measure. The government should also declare specific areas as a legal quarry as a long-lasting solution to the sufferings of the laborers, he added.

While seeking support from CVOs towards the bandh, Rajen made clear that emergency services will be exempted from the bandh.

In addition to the bandh, the association has also banned supplies of sand and stones for all government and private constructions until the demands are fulfilled. It has also put a ban on import of sand from other states, he said while cautioning that those who defy the ban will have to bear responsibilities for any unwanted incidents happened towards them.