Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19:
The 18 hours general strike called by the Joint Action Committee Against the killing of L Govind, Shimther Tangkhul and Injuring of A Langamba has seriously affected normal activities in the State.
Normal life in the State came to a complete halt as public transporters stayed off the road, attendance in Government offices was negligible, the entire Khwairamband Bazar wore a deserted look as all shops and markets remained closed.
Burning of tyres, piling of timbers and boulders on various roads of the State to enforce the bandh by suspected bandh supporters are reported.
Moreover broken glasses were strewn at several parts of many important roads.
At some places including Checkon, Dingku Road, Singjamei and Wangkhei, police resorted to tear gas shells to disperse bandh supporters.
The bandh called by the JAC with the active support of numerous other student bodies and social organisations was in protest against the State's inability to book the culprits of the December 31 incident.
Mention may be made here that Chief Minister O Ibobi had assured justice over the killing saying that the CBI would be entrusted with the task of investigating the matter if the investigation by the State police is unsatisfactory.
Meanwhile the All Manipur Rickshaw Owners' Association informed that it extended full support to the general strike while adding that such terrorist activities have created a sense of fear to the wage earners.
Further it appealed to the authority concerned to initiate precautionary measures to avoid such incidents in future.
The JAC has expressed its profound gratitude to all the meira paibi lups, social organisations, student bodies and others for extending their support to the 18 hour general strike.
The JAC also came out against the action perpetrated by the security personnel against bandh supporters.