Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23:
Bandh and strike calls in the last few days failed to dampen the Christmas spirit as the Christians from all corners of the State, particularly from far-off places thronged the main commercial hub and went on a buying spree even though number of shops that remained open yesterday and today were far from being satisfactory compared to normal days.
The two day bandh imposed since yesterday to demand declaration of the IRB recruitment result, nevertheless, had its impact upon the public as passenger carriers stayed off the road to avert reprisal from the agitation sponsors.
Under the spell of bandh people from far off places were seen arriving enmass in private (hired) vehicles for limited shopping avenues.
Various pressure groups are also threatening to launch agitations within the next few days.
Giving an opportune time to facilitate the general public purchase commodities for Christmas celebration the state labour department issued an order asking all traders and business houses within Imphal Municipal areas to open their shops on December 24 (Sunday).
"Because of frequent bandhs, strikes and uncertainty on law and order situation, I have already wrapped up Christmas shopping and now my family is all prepared to celebrate the greatest festival with pomp and gaiety," said one Michael, a resident of greater Imphal.
"But I'm deeply concerned for those shoppers particularly from the remote hill districts of Manipur who had limited time to purchase goods," Michael lamented.
He however conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Labour department's for facilitating last minute shopping on the eve of Christmas.
Goutinlien Gangte of Khousabung in Churachandpur district, who is currently putting up at Imphal too expressed strong resentment over the bandh and strike culture that ignored the religious sentiment of the Christian people.
"Though I have completed my Christmas shopping, I still have many things to keep the house in order for the auspicious occasion," he said.
Meanwhile, the student body AMSU has informed that it has opened a price control cell to check exorbitant rise in prices of commodities and articles ahead of the festival.
The body warned shopkeepers and traders not to hike price of commodities apart from appealing to all customers to inform its price control cell in case there is suspicion that the shopkeepers had taken advantage of the situation.