Curfew reimposed till 6 am today in all 4 valley districts
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 24 2012: Even after the indefinite Manipur bandh called jointly by Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Shumang Lela Council with the support of other civil organizations has been relaxed for 72 hours till the midnight of December 26, the general public have defied the decision of calling off the bandh leading to a chaotic situation.

Angry public continued to troop out on to the roads to prevent passersby and movement of vehicular traffic.

Considering the tense situation prevailing in the State especially in the four valley districts, respective District Magistrates have imposed curfew in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts from 11 am today till 6am of tomorrow.

When the news of relaxation of bandh for 72 hours since last midnight spread, people from all walks of life came out to make their necessary purchases from nearby markets.

However, all of a sudden, thousands of people started launching agitations in Thangmeiband area and forced the shops and markets to shut down.

The agitation soon spread to other parts and people started blocking roads in their respective localities along with piling woods, burning of tyres and scattering of broken glasses.

The protestors also punctured the tyres of vehicles plying on the roads and broke their windshields and head lights.

It was at this point of time that reimposition of curfew was announced, and many people were left in the lurch.

Prior to the renewed agitation and announcement of curfew, many people from different parts of the State came down to Imphal to buy and sell goods.

However, they have to retreat back to their places on foot as there were no vehicles for transportation.

Some of the tribal people, who came all the way from Ukhrul had to walk down till Litan.

There were also reports of protestors engaging in pitch battle with police personnel who resorted to use of rubber bullets, mock bombs and tear gas shells.

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