President arrives, police beat up commuters on Tiddim road
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 15 2013:
President Pranab Mukherjee arrived here this evening amidst tight security arrangement necessitated by general strike called by CorCom and other UG groups.
Incidentally, some people moving on the roads were beaten up by the police.
Since this morning, stringent security arrangements were put in place along Tiddim road and other important roads of Imphal city.
Moreover, all major roads leading to Imphal city were blocked leading to serious inconveniences to the general public, particular the sick and people going for urgent works.
Imphal East and Imphal West districts were literally cut off for several hours as no one was allowed to cross over Minuthong and Sanjenthong bridges.
The road from Tulihal Airport to Adim Jati Shiksha Ashram was lined up with security personnel every few metres.
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Moments before President Pranab Mukherjee landed at Tulihal Airport in a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force, some people who came riding two-wheelers towards Keishampat were halted and assaulted by police in full public view near Hodam Leirak.
The commuters were then forced to go through Hodam Leirak.
No vehicles were also allowed to cross Keishampat bridge with the exception of those possessing vehicle passes.
BT Flyover was also closed to public on Uripok side.
Earlier, the President was accorded a red-carpet welcome at Tulihal Airport by a host of dignitaries led by Governor Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Y Joykumar and other top civil and police officials.
But the efforts of the Manipur State Armed Police (MR/IRB) who were gathered at the airport to give guard of honour to the President were washed away by a brief spell of rainfall.
Skipping off the ceremonial guard of honour, the President went straight to a bullet-proof BMW car and left the airport in a carcade comprising of Rashtrapati Bhawan officials and security personnel.
On the other hand, no public carriers were seen on any major road of Imphal on account of the general strike called by CorCom since 6 am today.
However, there was no report of any untoward incident.
Because of the general strike, all inter-State and inter-district bus services were suspended.
Private institutions as well as commercial centres remained shut.
The general strike continues till 8 am tomorrow.