MPLF strike paralyses State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 15 2008: The general strike enforced by the proscribed MPLF had a severe impact on daily activities of the State as commercial establishments shut shutters for the day and market places wore deserted looks as passenger carriers stayed off the road.

MPLF, an umbrella organisation of banned armed groups operating here in the State called the general strike to denounce alleged forcible merger of the then independent Manipur on this day in 1949 .

A deserted street during the MPLF general strike

During the strike, copies of the Merger Agreement were burnt at many places all over the State.

A large number of women folk and people also came out with banners emblazoned with slogans denouncing the Merger Agreement and demanding sovereignty of the land.

The general strike was imposed as part of the National Black Day observance of the MPLF and other insurgent groups operating in the North Eastern region particularly in Tripura which also lost its independent status with similar condition as Manipur.

People with placards denouncing the Merger Agreement, copies of the agreement burnt in different parts of the State on Black Day

The strike came into force from 1 am of October 15 and concluded at 5.30 pm today evening.

While educational institutions and business centres suspended normal chores during the strike period, attendance at Govt offices was also low.

As the general strike brought to a standstill normal activities in the twin capital districts the impact was also felt at other districts due to absence of transport services.

All commercial centres in the State remained shut for the day.

With security forces put on high alert to thwart any unwanted events, the general strike passed off peacefully at 5.30 pm today.

According to information received here cessation of bus service impeded daily commuters both in the valley and hill districts but the general strike had little effect in the hills where shops reportedly remained open even though business transaction was insignificant.

With the exception of some people hurrying to their destination on two-wheelers there was no commercial transportation facility.

Inter district buses and taxi services remained suspended for the day Flight services, nevertheless functioned as usual.

As a part of the general strike copies of the 'merger agreement' were burnt at different places of the State during the evening hours while strike supporters shouted slogans against the rule of Government of India in Manipur.