People's pressure forces militants to withdraw extortion demands

MilitaryImphal, Jan 19 : Militancy in Manipur has become a hydra-headed menace that deals deathly blows to the social fabric and cripples the economy of the State.

Last week, two institutions -- the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and the United Bank of India (UBI) -- bore the brunt of militancy.

All branches of UBI and the link offices remained closed since January 8 as over 100 employees of the bank ceased work following a threat issued by an underground group.

M. Chandra Shekhar, Branch Manager, UBI said: "Several financial institutions must be reeling under the impact of such threats. All this is beyond our capacity, whether it is a question of the bank's branch or whether it is from the employees' pockets."

A source in the bank said that the employees decided to rejoin work after the militant group withdrew its extortion threat.

"This closure of the bank would be badly affecting the economy of the state," said H Yaima Singh, President of the Manipur Business Union.

Last week, the popular government-run school "Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya" had to be shutdown due to extortion demands.

Students, who would be appearing for their board exams, were the worst hit.

"If organizations keep making such demands, Manipur will be the worst-hit state, and only mutual hatred and angst would prevail," said Luvy Anal, a student.

Residents are gradually raising their voice against militancy. They want the support of the government to curb such activities in the state. (ANI)

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