IMPHAL, August 19: Though there was no report of any major unwanted incidents till the filing of this report, normal life has been severely paralysed on the first day of the 48 hour general strike in Manipur, which was shorten to 24 hours following an emergency decision on Friday.
The strike, which began on Thursday midnight last, was called in protest against the arrest of former Convenor of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), Khomdram Ratan.
The usually busy market places in the state capital as well as other satellite towns wore desolate look since dawn to dusk as the strike also affects movement of passenger and goods carrying vehicles.
Besides both the government and privates offices and institutions were also remained closed for the day. Interestingly the strike could not affect the usual air traffic and some areas in the hill districts.
Kh Ratan, former Convenor of JCILPS, who was declared a wanted man with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone who can provide information leading to his arrest, rounded up by police while he was taking part in the sit in cum relay hunger strike in Imphal on Wednesday night, on charges of “indulging in prejudicial activities against the State.” He was later produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody till August 26.
