General strike cut short
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15 2024:
The 48 hours general strike called by 13 CSOs against the arrest of Pambei-led UNLF's chief of army Th Shidaba Mapu alias Thoiba and two other leaders by the NIA since Thursday midnight has been cut short.
A joint statement issued by FOCS Manipur and 10 other organisations said that the 48 hours general strike has been shortened to 24 hours in view of the ongoing Class X and Class XII examinations, and the suffering of the public.
As such the general strike ended at Friday midnight.
Nonetheless, the joint statement appealed to all the people to exert strong pressure on both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur by staging protest demonstrations and rallies during day and torch rallies at night starting from March 16 so as to secure unconditional release of the three leaders.
Notably, the Pambei-led UNLF is under a peace agreement with both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.
Apart from FOCS, the joint statement is signed by representatives of Manipur Women's Federation, Universal Mothers' Organisation, Meitei Pangal Welfare Organisation, Yelhoumee Kanba Lup, Anouba Senmitlon, Indigenous People's Organisation Manipur, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup, Meitei Pangal Council Manipur, World Meitei Organisation and a student body.
Meanwhile, the Khuman United Clubs and Meira Paibi Association (KUCMA), Mayang Imphal has a called 24 hour general strike in Mayang Imphal area with effect from March 15 midnight till the midnight of March 16 .
A press release issued by KUCMA said that the general strike has been called in protest against the arrest of Pambei-led UNLF/MPA's chief of army Th Shidaba Mapu alias Thoiba, chief intelligence officer Engba and Sergeant Landaba by the NIA allegedly without giving any reason.