Silchar, August 17, 2025: The Barak Valley Boat Association has announced an indefinite bandh of all motorboat services on the Barak River starting today, in protest against what it terms the “arbitrary and politically motivated” arrests of motorboat driver Thanglienlal Hmar and his brother, Lalrosang Hmar. Both men, residents of Moinathol in Cachar District, were detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), drawing sharp criticism from the association and a complete halt to river transport.
In a formal statement issued on August 16, the association - representing the entire network of motorboat operators across Assam and Manipur’s Barak Valley region - demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the two brothers. The association stated that Mr. Thanglienlal Hmar, known locally as a respected church elder and law-abiding citizen with no criminal record, had been wrongfully arrested along with his brother. Leaders alleged that these actions reflect a bias by central agencies, accusing authorities of undue appeasement of Manipur’s majority Meitei community.
“The arrest of such innocent civilians exposes the bias and undue appeasement of the majority Meitei community in Manipur by central agencies and the authorities concerned. The arrest is politically motivated, unjust, and unwarranted,” the statement read.
As part of their response, the Barak Valley Boat Association has called for full support and cooperation from the public and river-based transporters, warning that it would not be held responsible for any untoward incidents that may occur during the strike. The association further urged the NIA and other law enforcement bodies to resist what it described as the “arm-twisting tactics” of the majoritarian community and to act impartially.
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With the indefinite strike now in effect, all motorboat services in Barak Valley have ground to a halt. The bandh is expected to significantly impact river transportation for communities along the Barak River, affecting daily commuters, traders, and emergency movement.
The association reiterated its demand for the immediate release of the Hmar brothers, placing the onus on authorities to resolve the situation swiftly in order to restore essential riverine services. No official statement had been released by the NIA at the time of publication.
