SILCHAR, August 16, 2025: The Barak Valley Boat Association (BVBA) has announced an indefinite bandh of all motorboat services on the Barak River beginning August 17, in protest against the arrest of two of its members by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the association condemned the arrest of Mr. Thanglienlal Hmar, a motorboat operator and church elder from Moinathol, Cachar district, and his brother Mr. Lalrosang Hmar. Both were reportedly taken into custody by the NIA.
The BVBA described Mr. Thanglienlal as a law-abiding citizen with no criminal background, alleging that his detention was “arbitrary, politically motivated, and unjust.” The statement further accused central agencies of acting under pressure from what it termed the “majoritarian Meitei community” in Manipur.
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Declaring a total bandh of river transport services, the association urged all stakeholders to support the protest. It also cautioned that it would not be held responsible for any untoward incidents that might occur during the bandh.
The BVBA demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the two brothers and called on investigative agencies to act impartially and not “succumb to arm-twisting tactics.”
The bandh is expected to significantly disrupt transport and connectivity across the Barak Valley, where river routes remain a lifeline for trade, travel, and daily livelihoods.
