General strike affects daily life to an extent
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 25 2021:
Shops remained closed in Thangal Bazar, Alu Gali and Paona Bazar today as a result of the 72-hour general strike imposed by World Meetei Council (WMC) and 6 other groups from 12 am of November 25.It may be noted that the strike was called as a protest against the Manipur Government for failing to recommend the inclusion of Meeteis in the ST list of India to the Central Government.
Interstate Bus Service in some districts stopped their transportation services, volume of vehicles on the roads were reduced and attendance of students in academic institutions were low as a result of the strike, even though no untoward incident related to the strike have been reported so far.
Daily trade in the State suffered as some of the major markets i.e Thangal Bazar, Paona Bazar and Alu Gali remained closed.
However, street vendors in and around Khwairamband market carried on business as usual.
In a statement released today, WMC has accused the Government of instructing police personnel to collect data of WMC members who are involved in the struggle of demanding ST status for Meeteis.
Further, the statement has alleged the Government of attempting to dismantle their movement through this data collection and has deemed this an act against democracy.
WMC has also denounced certain things said by the Chief Minister calling it unfortunate and urged the CM to withdraw his words.
Stating that the strike was called to secure the future of the Meetei community, the statement added that if the community fails to get constitutional protection then Meeteis would be living in a state of oppression in a matter of 5-6 years.
Chairman of WMC Heigrujam Nabashyam also urged the people to support their general strike in the statement and halt all movement of vehicles, trade, transportation and personal errands.