Imphal, October 05: Normal life in Manipur came to a grinding halt today following the North East Students� Organization (NESO) sponsored 12-hours general strike from 5 am to 5 pm.

The bandh was also total in all the North Eastern States, except Tripura where the response was poor, reports PTI.

Many hill as well as valley based social organizations and student bodies including Apunba Lup and All Manipur Students� Union (AMSU) extended their support to the general strike ensuring its success.

However, there was no report of any untoward incident during the strike period from any part of the State.

The general strike was imposed demanding the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from entire North East, stopping of immigration, job reservations in Central services for North East people among other demands.

All the educational institutions, markets and business establishments remained closed today.

Attendance in Government offices was also reported to be skeletal.

There was no vehicular traffic on the roads including the two National Highways 39 and 53 which pass through the State capital.

Inter-district passenger buses also remained off the road.

Flight service from Imphal to Guwahati was cancelled due to the strike, although there was normal flight service between Imphal and Kolkata.

The otherwise busy Khwairamband Bazar at the heart of the capital city wore a deserted look with all the shops downing shutters for the day.

The impact of the strike was also felt in other districts of the State.

Although some shops were seen opened furtively and doing brisk business at Churachandpur, the strike was total in Ukhrul district.

Not to speak of market places and shops remaining closed, not even a single person was seen coming out to the street during the general strike period.

At Thoubal and Bishnupur, too, the general strike affected normal life of the people.

As all the bus services were suspended today in response to the bandh call with no communication between the districts, the attendance in the market places was minimal although some shops and market places were seen opened.

According to information received by the press, at least three tourist buses and 50 loaded Tata trucks coming from outside Manipur were stranded at Mao Gate till late in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Working Committee of Apunba Lup has expressed its gratitude to the people for co-operation and support in observing the general strike successfully.

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