STDCM total shutdown disrupts normal life
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 28 2021:
The 18-hour total shutdown imposed by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) from Monday midnight, demanding the state government to forward the requisite recommendation for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, disrupted the normal life of the people in the state.
During the shutdown, shops and other business establishments in Khwairamband market and surrounding areas remained closed, while passenger service providers halted service for the day.
Oil pumps also remained closed.
Police put in place strict security measures to prevent any unwanted incidents during the shutdown.
Meanwhile, supporters of the total shutdown blocked the roads in Lamlong Keithel and Khurai Salanthong area on Tuesday morning.
Roads in Soibam Leikai, Kongba and in Uripok were also closed down by supporters.
Mention may be made here that STDCM, as part of its series of agitations, will be staging protests in various places of the valley from 12.30 pm till 1 pm on December 29 .
During the protests, slogans such as "Let's save the state", "Let's save the indigenous people", "All communities should live in harmony", and" State Govt should forward the recommendation for inclusion in ST without delay" will be raised.
On December 30, volunteers of STDCM will storm the CM's Bungalow while raising the aforementioned slogans.
The shutdown called STDCM was also effective in Thoubal and Jiribam districts.
Bandh supporters came out to the main market places in Thoubal district including Thoubal Keithel, Khongjom Keithel, Wangjing Keithel and Yairipok Keithel and forced closure of the markets.
Passenger carriers were made to return while allowing only those emergency and essential services to ply on roads.
Security forces also took up precautionary measures to prevent occurrence of any unwanted incidents.
Meanwhile, the total shutdown affected normal life in Jiribam district.
Roads remained deserted while markets, shops, government as well as private institutions were closed ouring the shutdown.