Arson, road blocks mark bandh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 08: The triple general strikes called by different organisations to oppose exclusion of Manipuri weightlifter Laishram Monika from the Olympic squad of the country on alleged charge of failing a dope test paralysed normal life in the State today.

Apart from setting on fire an autorickshaw plying in defiance of the general strike by the strike supporters near Pureiromba market at Palace Compound at around 9.30 am and putting up of Phaneks in the middle of the road, there was no report of any other untoward incidents during the strike.

Auto burnt and phaneks put up during the general strike

In different parts of Imphal and Bishnupur district, strike supporters blocked the road along with burning tyres and erecting barricades with wooden planks and bamboo.

Passenger services and goods carriers including rickshaws stayed away from the road and all the market places remained shut down. However, flight services were normal.

Even if the educational institutions have been exempted from the purview of the general strike and some schools were opened, the attendance of the students was minimal.

Along the stretch of Sega Road, strike supporters burnt tyres and prevented movement of people by way of drying Phaneks.

One of the mock bombs fired by the police to disperse the strike supporters accidentally landed near the hoarding of Tiddim Service Station, a patrol pump.

At Kakwa Naorem Leikai area, strike supporters burnt old tyres to block the National Highway 39.At Malom area also, the strike supporters erected road block along NH-150.Large number of people also came out to block the road at various places including Nachou, Bishnupur, Phubala, etc.At Nachou, enraged people of the area also set aflame the effigies of Sailaja Pujari, RK Naidu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

The triple general strikes have been called by UCM, ACOAM-Lup and All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Welfare Association.

Two of the strikes concluded by 7 pm today while another would continue till midnight.