Imphal, October 23 2009: Next to the 24 hours bandh called in some sections of Imphal-Moreh road since last midnight, a 24 hours state-wide general strike has been called with effect from today mid-night against the murder of retired doctor Huidrom Binodkumar s/o H Bira of Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak.

Meanwhile, the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Dr H Binodkumar has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister this afternoon amidst the bandh in some sections of Imphal-Moreh road.

As the Government and the JAC could not come to any understanding regarding the latter's demand to book those involved in the killing of Dr Binodkumar by 5 pm today, the 24 hours general strike was called in continuation of the 24 hours bandh called on some sections of Imphal-Moreh road.

No one should ride or drive vehicles during the general strike.

All market centres and shops should remain closed.

However, religious functions would be exempted.

Any one defying the general strike should bear responsibility for any untoward incident resulting from their defiance, the JAC cautioned.

A large group of Meira Paibis put up road blocks using boulders, timbers and other objects between Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak and Singjamei Chingamakhong to enforce the 24 hours bandh called today.

Around ten four-wheelers and two-wheelers which defied the bandh were damaged by bandh supporters who pelted stones.

Many other vehicles including rickshaws had their tyres flattened.

Because of the bandh along Imphal-Moreh road, normal vehicular traffic was diverted to Mayai Lambi from Keishamthong and Pishumthong.

At about 9 am, a police team arrived at the scene and forced the bandh supporters to open one lane of the highway.

While bandh was being imposed by group of people, another group of women staged a protest demonstration at Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak.

The protesters put up placards which read as "Book and punish the killers immediately", "We want peace" etc.

At about 2.30 pm, a group of people headed by members of the JAC headed towards the Chief Minister's official residence to submit a memorandum.

However, they were blocked by police near Yaiskul oil pump.

After some altercation between the two sides, a five member team of the JAC was allowed to call on the Chief Minister.

The memorandum demanded identification and punishment of the killers immediately.

Even as the JAC asked for fulfilment of their demand during the meeting with the Chief Minister, the two sides could not arrive at any understanding.

On the other hand, the last rites of Dr H Binodkumar was performed after post mortem at RIMS today in accordance to an understanding between family members and the JAC.

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