Roads blocked unannounced
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2015: Sudden clamping of road blockades at different localities of the twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West left many stranded today.

Soon after the news of arrest of five students, who have been staging indefinite hunger strike at the gate of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy demanding implementation of ILPS, spread, people at several localities blocked roads in protest against the Government's move.

Due to this sudden bandh, passenger vehicles could not reach Imphal and many people from far-flung areas were left stranded at different areas till late evening.

On the other hand, people, who ventured out of their houses unaware about the sudden blockade also faced inconveniences when they returned home.

Roads blocked unannounced

Locals of Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek, Soibam Leikai, Ananda Singh crossing, Palace Gate and Wangkhei came out to streets and blocked normal traffic by burning tyres and placing different objects across the roads.

Similar agitation were also seen at Wangkhei-Kongba road, Ayangpali road, Tinsid road, Khurai, Telipati, Soibam Leikai, Porompat and other localities.

Womenfolk also staged sit-in-protests at their respective localities.

Shops and markets remained closed at these areas.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse protesters at Nongmeibung area.

Effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam were also burned at Khurai Lai Wangma area.

In support to the pro-ILPS movement, residents of Telipati also came out on Telipati-Lamlong road and blocked traffic.

The protests gradually spread to neighbouring Imphal West district in the afternoon.

People came out on streets and blocked roads at Singjamei, Uripok, Tera, Wahengbam Leikai, Mayai Lambi and other lanes and bylanes at different localities.

Womenfolk of Uripok Gopalji area, who formed a human chain, stopped an Assam Rifles convoy coming from bazar side.

They shouted slogans like 'We Want ILP', 'Condemn the killing of student', 'Resign Chief Minister O Ibobi' etc by staging sit-in-protest in the middle of the road.

A large number of police team, who were deployed at Uripok Tourangbam Leikai area, erected a barricade to prevent protesters from proceeding further.

As such, all the vehicles coming along Uripok-Kangchup road were diverted to other routes.