Marginal impact of bandh felt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07: Normal life in Manipur remained affected as a result of the 48-hour general strike being called since last midnight.

The general strike is being called by the JAC Against the Extra Judicial Killing of Langpoklakpam Bimolchandra alias Angouba (35) .

Fire lit in the middle of the road by bandh supporters in Imphal

A resident of Haobam Marak Ngangom Leikai, Bimolchandra was killed during an alleged encounter by a combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos and personnel of 12 Maratha Light Infantry at Changangei Ucheckon near Imphal Airport on July 4.However, the JAC claimed that Bimolchandra was picked up by the Police Commandos from near his house on the same day.

On account of the general strike, main markets in Imphal like Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar and Khwairamband Market remained closed and traffic along the road was minimum.

Inter-district transport service also remained off the road though some private vehicles and taxi services were seen plying.

The general strike was total in Haobam Marak area where the strike supporters erected road barricades to stop the flow of traffic.

At Sega Road too, some strike supporters burnt used vehicles tyres along the road to stop the movement of vehicles.

But police came along and cleared the road.

However, in other district headquarters and places far off from Imphal, the general strike had only a partial impact with most of the markets remaining opened.

The strike also did not affect normal functioning of the Government offices and educational institutions, though the attendance was reported to be thin.

Although there was no inter-bus service from Imphal, some passenger buses did arrive from outside.

The flight service from Imphal was also normal.