Hundreds evacuated from airport
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2015: Normal life was crippled for the second day today on account of the 48 hours State-wide general strike called by the JCILPS Students' Wing.

Even though flight service was not affected, hundreds of passengers who arrived at Imphal from different places of India were stranded inside the airport complex as the airport road was blocked by a large number of protesters.

At the time this report was filed late this evening, around 500 people including airline services staff who were stranded at the airport were gradually evacuated in groups in whatever vehicles were available.

The evacuation process wounded up at around 9.20 pm.

The 48 hours general strike was called in protest against the brute force unleashed against a group of young girl students who tried to storm the office of Education Minister M Okendro.

Meanwhile, two boys sustained injuries when police resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs in their efforts to disperse several groups of protesters this afternoon.

The injured victims have been identified as Laishram Amarjit (14) s/o Sobha of Changangei Uchekon and Mutum Rajesh (20) s/o Gopal of Changangei Mayai Leikai.

Amarjit underwent six stitches on the head after he was hit by a tear gas shell while Rajesh sustained injuries on the right leg.

On hearing about the injuries inflicted upon the two boys, blockade along airport road was intensified all the more.

Soon, many of the protesters started pelting stones and firing slingshots.

They also burnt different objects including used tyres right in front of the entry gate to the airport.

At around 3.30 pm, a strong police team somehow dispersed the protesters by firing several rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs.

Soon after, the stranded passengers tried to sneak their way out but they were asked to turn back to the airport complex by bandh supporters.

However, no prohibition was imposed on those stranded people who opted to travel on foot.

Apart from some air passengers who were stranded since yesterday, three different flights arrived at the airport today.

Innumerable road blocks were put up between Imphal airport and Keishampat.

Strangely, even as the general strike called by the Students' Wing ended at 6 pm, different forms of protest agitation and road blockades continued at different places till late in the evening.

There was no vehicular movement on all roads of Imphal and greater Imphal areas except those compelled by emergency situations.

Khwairamband wore a totally deserted look as all commercial as well as private establishments remained shut.

Attendance in Government offices was minimal.

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