Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 23:
The 24-hour general strike called by the United Committee Manipur (UCM) against Centre-NSCN (I-M) ceasefire extension today affected normal life across the state.
Normal life was almost completely paralyzed in the greater Imphal area, with all roads and thoroughfares remaining entirely deserted throughout the day.
People remained indoors in response to the call of the UCM's 24 hour general strike which began at midnight last night, and shops, markets and business establishments remained closed.
Farmers also refrained from cultivation work.
With the authorities also deciding not to relax the indefinite curfew imposed in Imphal East and Imphal West in view of the intensified anti-ceasefire agitation, attendance in government offices was almost nil, except for the police department and a few essential services.
Anti-ceasefire strike supporters burnt tyres and blocked roads using stones and huge timber logs at various places in the periphery of Imphal city.
The Khurai Lamlong to Pangei road was almost completely un-negotiable as demonstrators burnt tires and piled stones all along the road.
Demonstrators also burnt tyres along the Tiddim Road, the Uripok Kangchup Road, RIMS road, Sagolband road, Pishum road, Porompat Khurai road, Wangkhei road and several other local routes in both Imphal east and west today.
No untoward incident was reported during the day.
In the meantime, around 60 trucks and public carriers coming from outside the state reached Imphal without incident under security escort in the evening.
However, in renewed violence tonight, thousands turned out along the Wangkhei, New Checkon and Nongmeibung area of Imphal East this evening, burning tyres on the road.
The attempt of the mob to breach the police cordon around the sensitive zone of the Greater Imphal was foiled by huge security deployment.
Dozens of tear gas shells were fired on the angry protesters.
The police also used rubber bullets to quell the mob.
The protesters ignored the warning shot fired by the security forces and marched forward dragging on the confrontation till late tonight.
Security forces fired tear shells from the safety of their armored vehicles.
It is reported that many were injured during the incident.
Ambulance service were however not available due to lack of security escort.
At least four persons were reportedly picked up by the police during the melee.
After much effort, the police could contain the mob from Soibam Leikai after 11 pm but the mob on the Wangkhei side could be dispersed only after midnight.
On the other hand, hundreds of womenfolk continued dharnas against the NSCN(IM) ceasefire at various localities all over the Imphal area.
Reports also indicate that the UCM sponsored general strike had considerable effect in the rest of Manipur, particularly' the valley districts.
The general strike was generally peaceful and near total in most urban centres in Bishnupur district.
In Thoubal district, protestors burnt effigies of Central leaders and blocked roads using tyres, stones and broken glass bottles at Kakching, Yairipok, Lilong and Khongjom bazar.
There was no traffic along the Indo-Burma road.