Muscle show besmirch 24 hr total shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 28 2024: The 24 hour total shutdown imposed by the JAC against the arrest of six village volunteers and the killing of one volunteer affected normal life in the valley districts of Manipur where a significant reduction in traffic volume was observed.

Notably, the total shutdown which concluded at 6 pm today, was called by the JAC demanding unconditional release of the six persons and service termination of the commando personnel responsible for the killing of 18 year old village volunteer Laishram Prem at Salungpham in Thoubal on December 14 .

As a result of the total shutdown, markets and business establishments were closed in many districts and educational institutions remained shut.

Muscle show besmirch 24 hr total shutdown

In a notable shutdown related incident, a bandh supporter broke the windshield of a vehicle as seen in a video clip widely circulated across social media platforms today.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters as many denounced the act and damage to property inflicted on an ordinary citizen.

Meanwhile, at Lamphel Sana Keithel in Imphal, shutdown supporters burnt tyres and blocked the roads.

In Thoubal, the 24-hour shutdown greatly affected normal life as important hubs of trade and business in the district including Yairipok Keithel, Wangjing Keithel, Thoubal Keithel and Babu Keithel remained closed and shops downed shutters.

Womenfolk blocked the road and stopped commuters at many points along the Trans Asian Highway which passes through Thoubal.

While passenger service vehicles stayed off the road throughout the district, commuters travelling for religious ceremonies, medical services and other emergencies were exempted from the purview of the total shutdown.

Additionally, security personnel took up precautionary measures to prevent the occurrence of any unwanted incidents.

At Thoubal Wangmataba, Laishram Prem's mother took part in blocking the road accompanied by other womenfolk.

Speaking to the media, she expressed her gratitude to the people of Manipur who have launched various agitations demanding justice for her deceased son.

Stating that Laishram Prem was an innocent and ordinary student who became a village volunteer to protect the State, she urged the Government to terminate the service of the commando personnel responsible for her son's death and appealed for the unconditional release of the six arrested village volunteers.

Another unnamed protestor condemned the State Government's indifference to the JAC's demands as well as the total shutdown.

"We will support every step taken up by the JAC and the public of Manipur", added the protestor.

Womenfolk also blocked the Trans Asian Highway at Thoubal Kiyam Siphai Babu Keithel and Tangjeng.

Endorsing the shutdown, meira paibis of Phouden blocked the Yairipok-Thoubal Road at Moirang Palli.

Meanwhile in Bishnupur, Nambol Keithel, Oinam Keithel, Bishnupur Keithel, Ningthoukhong Keithel, Moirang Lamkhai, Moirang Keithel and Kumbi Keithel bore deserted looks as vendors and shops remained closed.

Even as some private vehicles were spotted on the roads, inter-district and inter-village passenger vehicles halted their service.

A group of people also blocked the road at Thinungei in support of the shutdown.

Reportedly, bandh supporters forced an MLA who was coming to attend a shraddha ceremony at Moirang to turn back.

No untoward incidents were reported in the district.