State opposes incursion with total shut down
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 23 2015 : Imphal city was totally shut down today in solidarity to the 24 hours general strike called against incursion by Nagaland at some areas of Kojiirii and Dzuko Valley.

The general strike was called with the support of two major civil society organisations in protest against the State Government's indifference and inaction against the incursion.

Even though the general strike passed off without any major untoward incident, it completely paralysed the State capital.

There was little vehicular movement along all major roads passing through Imphal city including National highways.

All inter-State and inter-district transport services were suspended.

Khwairambad market which was always crowded and filled with din bore a totally deserted look and overwhelming silence filled the atmosphere.

Womenfolk enforcing the general strike at Singjamei

Normal business activities were severely affected at Singjamei Keithel, Lamlong Keithel and Kwakeithel too.

Meira Paibis blocked Imphal-Moreh road at Singjamei by burning used tyres and other objects.

In the meantime, members of the Singjamei Apunba Nupi Lup staged a protest demonstration against incursion by Nagaland at Sing- jamei Thongam Leikai.

On account of the 24 hours general strike, attendance in Government offices was marginal.

In Senapati district, there was some confusion on account of the Mao Council's sudden decision to call off the general strike.

The general strike had little impact in the morning.

But after 12 pm, passenger bus service between Imphal and Senapati as well as taxi service between Senapati and Mao were ceased.

Although the general strike had little impact at Senapati district headquarters, it severely affected Mao.

There was no vehicular movement on the highway and all the shops and hotels remained shut.

In Imphal bandh supporters came out to streets from early today morning and disrupted all sorts of vehicular movement.

At many places bandh supporters were seen burning planks and woods on roads to prevent vehicular movement.

The bandh supporters however allowed free passage to essential services.

Entertainment houses, banks and other private offices, schools and colleges remained shut down for the day.

Government offices including State Assembly Secretariat, DC Imphal East and DC Imphal West offices and the Secretariat wore deserted looks as most employees could not turn up due to the strike.

Local club volunteers and Meira Paibis of Pangei Yangdong, Waiton, Khundrakpam and various CSOs of the area blocked the Pangei road in support of the State-wide bandh called by the CKDLBR.

People of Tangkham Awang Leikai along with the local club and Meira Paibis blocked the road crippling vehicular movement.

Bandh supporters blocked the Imphal- Ukhrul road at various parts.

Minor scuffles had also reportedly broke out between protesters and security personnel at some places.

However, there was no report of any untoward incident due to the strike.

The strike was supported by UCM, AMUCO and various other CSOs.

The strike also affected normal life in Jiribam subdivision of Imphal East.

Vehicular movement along Imphal-Nungba, Tamenglong and Silchar roads was affected by the strike.

Business establishments, schools and Govt offices remained shut for the day, reports our correspondent.

The strike also affected normal life in Thoubal district.

No vehicles were seen plying along the normally busy Imphal-Moreh road.

Business activities at Thoubal bazar came to a halt.

At the same time, students of KM Blooming Higher Secondary School staged a demonstration along NH-102 at Khangabok against the encroachment in Dzuko Valley.