JCILPS' 19 hrs strike cripples normal life
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2015 : Normal life came to a standstill in the State due to the 19-hours general strike called by the JCILPS as part of its pro-ILPS movement.

All inter-district passenger vehicles stayed off the roads though a few private vehicles related with emergency and religious services were seen plying.

Business establishments, shops, oil pumps and entertainment halls in and around Imphal city downed their shutters for the day.

Khwairamband Bazar, the heart of the capital wore a deserted look with few passers-by.

Educational institutions and offices also remained closed although few office goers were seen.

A road deserted during the general strike called by the JCILPS

Strike supporters staged roadblocks at many places by placing tree branches, putting up wood and burning tyres.

To prevent any untoward incidents, a large number of police personnel were seen deployed at various locations in Imphal area.

JCILPS called the strike demanding withdrawal of the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers (MRVTMW) Bill 2015 and introduction of a fresh and more vigilant Bill.

The MRVTMW Bill was introduced in the Assembly in March this year.

The bandh which began last midnight continued till 7 pm today.

The JCILPS has been organising numerous rallies and a series of protests to press the demand for a new Bill in the ongoing Budget session of the State Assembly.

Strike supporters blocked the Imphal-Ukhrul road at Khurai Lamlong area crippling all forms of transportation.

Protesters put up electric poles across the road from Lamlong bazar to Chairenthong bridge.

At Pangei and Sawombung bandh supporters burned tyres and blocked the roads.

Women folks of Soibam Leikai Meri Leirak blocked the road by staging a sit-in protest on the road while strike supporters burned the effigy of the Chief Minister along with tyres blocking all forms of transportations.

People of Thangmeiband, Sagolband Tera, Changangei, Singjamei parking area, Kakwa Naorem Leikai and Canchipur showed their support for the 19 hours bandh and blocked the roads.

It is reported that in Thoubal three auto-rickshaws were destroyed by bandh supporters for defying the State wide general strike.

In another incident a rickshaw was burned to ashes in the said area.

Normal life in Jiribam sub-division, Imphal East was crippled during the general strike, our correspondent reports.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions, banks, post office, Government offices and oil pumps were closed, our correspondent reports.

Markets remained closed and passengers services stayed off the road during the general strike.

Meanwhile, a JCILPS member expressed gratefulness to the people of the State for their support to the strike call.

The strike also affected normal life in Thoubal district.

Roadblock was staged at Thoubal bazar, Wangjing bazar, Wangbal bazar, Charangpat, Wangkhem bazar, Yairipok bazar etc.

Markets and shops remained closed for the day.

The protesters also raised slogans demanding implementation of ILPS in the State and against the Bill that gives protection to the outsiders.