A 14-hours Manipur bandh has been called by the All Manipur Excavator, Local Truck, Tipper Owners and Workers Association (AMELTTOWA) on August 1 from 4 AM to 6 PM.

The bandhhas been called against the government's ignorance towards the sufferings ofthe sand miners, labourers and transporters as they are now struggling for ameans of livelihood.

The President of AMELTTOWA, K Rajen said that despite the ban on the order of High Court of Manipur sand mining, quarrying in all rivers and transportation of sand and stones without licenses, many labourers were left stranded without any means of income.

Rajen furtherstated that a discussion was held between the association members and principalchief conservator of forests and chief conservator of forests on July 16 toresolve the quarrying be allowed temporarily in land owned by individualsthemselves by furnishing certificate of origin.

The AMELTTOWAPresident, however, mentioned that emergency services will be exempted from thebandh.

The associationhas also banned supplies of sand and stones for all government and privateconstructions until the demands are fulfilled. It has also put a ban on importof sand from other states.