18 hr bandh affects normal life in state
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 30 2012:
The 18-hour general strike called by Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the abduction of Irungbam Irabanta by NSCN (IM) affected normal lives in Manipur on Thursday.
However, there is no report of any violence during the strike.
All the shops and other business establishments remained shut on account of the general strike even as vehicular traffic stayed away from roads.
The strike also disturbed the administration of major government department and other auxiliary offices with attendance of staff reported thin.
A large number of strike supporters blocked the main road at Lamlai Police Station's Nongda area with woods and burning of tyres.
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Supported by various social organizations, the strike was called to exert pressure on the government for ensuring safe release of Irabanta, whose whereabouts had not been known since May 27 last after he had gone to Ukhrul district at the alleged behest of NSCN (IM).
Irabanta is a contractor who supplies sand and stone for construction of Maphou Dam.
Though one Winner Tangkhul, who had reportedly accompanied Irabanta when he left home, was subsequently arrested by Ukhrul Police on August 11 and later sent to jail last week, the whereabouts of the missing contractor has not been known till date.