Jiribam, August 20: The Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), Joint Headquarters Jiribam, has declared its endorsement and full support for the indefinite bandh called by the Barak Valley Boat Association. The bandh has been announced in protest against the arrest of boat driver Thanglienlal Hmar and his brother Lalrosang Hmar, both residents of Moinathol Village in Cachar District, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In a statement issued by its Department of Information and Publicity, the HSA strongly condemned what it described as the “arbitrary arrest” of the two individuals. The association demanded their immediate and unconditional release, while expressing solidarity with the Barak Valley Boat Association’s ongoing protest.
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“We urge all concerned individuals, organizations, and institutions to support and respect the bandh,” the HSA said in its release.
The NIA has not yet made a formal statement regarding the arrests. However, the bandh and the growing support it is receiving from civil society organizations are expected to cause disruptions across the Barak Valley and adjoining areas, with boat services and related transport activities likely to remain suspended until further notice.
Local sources indicated that the situation has created unease among the river-dependent communities, where boat transport remains a crucial lifeline. Observers note that the bandh could escalate if the matter remains unresolved.
