General strike hits normal life in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 15 2023: The dawn-to-dusk general strike called by different armed groups protesting the merger of Manipur with India on October 15, 1949, affected normal life in the state on Sunday.

Commercial establishments and markets remained closed and the Khwairamband market wore a deserted look with all shopkeepers and women vendors ceasing commercial activities for the day as inter district transport services also halted service.

Emergency services, medical and the media were, however, exempted from the purview of the general strike.

The total shutdown called by UG groups against merger of Manipur with India on October 15, 1949 was also effective in Kakching district on Sunday with normal day to day activities coming to a grinding halt.

During the shutdown, few vehicles were seen plying on the roads, while all major markets remained shut.

No unwanted incidents have been reported during the general strike as security personnel were seen deployed in sensitive areas.

Mention may be made that October 15 is also observed as National Black Day by various armed outfits of Manipur.

In separate press statements, the armed groups stated that the sovereignty of Manipur ended with the annexation of Manipur into the Indian Union on October 15, 1949.The Coordination Committee (CorCom), Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA) Kangleipak, and the Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK) called the total shutdown from 6 am.

CorCom is an apex body of six banned outfits.

Comment