24 hours General Strike affects normal life in various districts
Source: The Sangai Express
Tbl/Bpr/Kak/Jr, August 01 2018:
The 24 hours general strike called by the joint committee of UCM, AMUCO and CCSK to show its firm stand that the peace talks between Government of India and the NSCN (IM) which is now on the verge of coming through a "final solution" cannot distort the territorial integrity of Manipur has crippled normal life in Thoubal, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur and Jiribam districts of Manipur.
In Thoubal district, Business establishment remained closed while Thoubal keithel, Wangjing keithel and Yairipok keithel wore a deserted look as many passenger vehicles stayed off the road.
Many shops remained closed and women vendors have not turn up to sell vegetables.
From the early hours of the strike, many bandh supporters and meira paibis took to the street and blocked the road in Thoubal, Wangjing and Yairipok areas but the bandh supporters let pass those who are on medical emergency and who have to attend religious activities.
Government offices, post office and banks also wore deserted look with minimum attendance.
School students did not turn out to attend their classes as the school remained closed for the day.
Any untoward incidents or major clashes were not reported so far while many police personnel were deployed in various junction to thwart off any major incidents.
Meanwhile, leaders of Reformist Students' Front (RSF) also conveyed that RSF will extend the general strike till midnight of August 2 and sought support from various CSOs and students organisation.
In Jiribam district, many bandh supporters and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) observed the general strike in a very peaceful manner.
During the general strike, many passenger vehicles stayed off the road while many shops remained shut.
Government offices, colleges and schools were also closed.
In Kakching district, the general strike also disturbed normal life of people while many important markets in Kakching, Kakching Lamkhai, Pallel, Wabagai, Kakching Khunou, Waikhong and Sugnu also wore a deserted look as many shops remained closed and women vendors did not turn up.
Government offices also witnessed minimum attendance while many schools remained closed.
Joint Non-Government Voluntary Organisation (JNGVO), All Kakching Students Union (AKSU) also fully supported the general strike while Ching Tarn Apunba Nupi Lup, Pallel also show its allegiance to the general strike called by the joint committee.
Meanwhile bandh supporters of Apunba Luchingbi Ema (PALEM), Pallel, Youth Development Organisation (YDO) and Social Development Organisation (SDO) also took to street and blocked the road.
Normal life was affected in Bishnupur district today following the 24 hour general strike called by UCM, AMUCO and CCSK.
Members and womenfolk of local clubs, organisations and Meira Paibis came out to the streets and blocked the roads at different areas of the district while schools, Govt offices, stores and major markets remained closed throughout the day, reports our correspondent.
On the other hand, in Moirang Keithel, Apunba Nupi Lup Bishnupur district, women vendors and shopkeepers blocked the road using benches and tables.
In Kumbi AC, members of Kumbi Apunba Nupi Lup (KANUL) and women vendors took part in the protest by blocking the roads along Kumbi Bazar.
Wangoo Bazar, Kumbi Bazar, Sagang Bazar remained deserted while Torbung United Club, Torbung Meira Paibis and people of Torbung also blocked the roads at Torbung Bazaar extending support to the general strike.
Phougakchao Ikhai Makha Bazar Apunba Nupi Lup and Meira Paibis of the Phougakchao Ikhal Makha sat together in the street and blocked passage of any vehicles.
Endorsing its support, members of Apunba Nupi Lup (ANUL) Bishnupur burned things on the roads while all shops in the area remained shut.
The general strike also affected Keinou Keithel and Oinam Keithel as well and shopkeepers, women street vendors and local people blocked the road.
However, no casualties have been reported in Bishnupur district till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, vehicles plying along Imphal Moreh road decreased in connection with the general strike.