Imphal, June 29: Widespread anti- ceasefire agitation continued today in different parts of Manipur with thousand participating in sit-in protest in interior areas as army and para-military forces fanned out to different parts of the valley to prevent outbreak of violence.

Official sources said police and Manipur Rifles personnel were on full alert in Imphal and surrounding places.

Forces have also been deployed at all vulnerable points.

Thousands of people launched sit-in protests in interior parts of the State during the 11-hour relaxation of indefinite curfew from 5 this morning.

Official sources said thousands of women defying prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC gathered at Wangjing area in Thoubal district and launched sit � in protests against the Centre-NSCN(IM) ceasefire extension to the State.

Reports said people in small groups also launched sit-in protests in different parts of the valley including Thangmeiband, Chingmeirong, Khagempalli, Keishamthong and others in greater Imphal area defying prohibitory orders.

Reports also said over 20 youths shaved their heads at Bashikhong area in Imphal East District today as a mark of respect to 14 persons killed on June 18 police firing during anti-ceasefire procession.

So far over 200 youths have shaved their heads in the State.

However, no untoward incident was reported from any part of the State.

Official sources said the overall situation in Manipur was reported to be normal but tense as employees attended offices during the relaxation period.

They said markets and shops remained open during relaxation in three valley districts of Imphal West, East and Thoubal as several State and Central Government offices functioned for the first time in ten days.

Sources said banks also transacted business but for limited hours.

Meanwhile, several Naga and Kuki organisations continued to express opposition to ceasefire in Manipur and added that it was an attempt to divide people in the State along ethnic lines.

About five thousand resident of Khangabok also staged a protest rally against the truce extension today.

The rallyists also burnt effigies of Central leaders at Khangabok Lamlong bazar where a public meeting was convened later.

The rally was jointly organized by the Action Committee Against Indo-Naga Cease Fire to Manipur, Thoubal District and other local clubs and voluntary organisations of Khangabok area.

Police said about fifty women staged a sit-in protest at Thoubal Sekpi Khongnangkhong while about 200 women carried out protest at Thoubal Okram.

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