18-hour general strike begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29, 2012:
An 18-hour general strike has been called by two major social organisations from midnight tonight in Manipur demanding immediate release of Irungbam Irabanta kidnapped by suspected Naga militants.
In a joint statement here, United Committee Manipur and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation appealed to the State Government to initiate steps to trace whereabouts of Irungbam Irabanta who has been reported missing after he left home on May 27. Irabanta hails from Nongren in Imphal East district.
Some other social organisations have also announced their support to the strike.
Representatives of major social organisations met the State Home Minister Gaikhangam on August 18 and 24 on the abduction issue.
Official sources said security measures have been tightened to prevent any untoward incident.
The All Jiribam United Club Association; All Jiribam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup; Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup; WACAK, Jiri Branch; All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association, Jiribam Branch; and Jiri Special Branch of Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) have endorsed the bandh called by the JAC in connection with the abduction.
A joint statement issued by the Jiri bodies today lambasted the Government for its seeming inactivity on the matter while also questioning the ethics of the revolutionary group said to be involved in the abduction.
Meanwhile, Joint Students' Coordination Committee, consisting of numerous student organisations has also endorsed the bandh called by the JAC which begins midnight today.
The JAC Against the Abduction of Irabanta has been demanding the release of the abducted man who has been missing since the last three months.