Strike paralyses normal life in Manipur for second day

IMPHAL — Normal life remained disrupted across Manipur for a second consecutive day on Wednesday during a 48-hour statewide general strike called by the Native People Committee Manipur (NPCM) and supported by other civil society organisations to demand justice for three Meitei firewood collectors killed in an attack on October 19.

The strike, which ended at midnight on Wednesday, was called in protest against the killings in the Khongbal Tangkhul area of Kangpokpi district. The NPCM also demanded “visible military action” against the armed groups allegedly responsible for the attack.

The three victims were identified as A Ronil (35) and L Inaobi (51), both from Nongshum village, and Ksh Sushil (32) of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai. Three others — M Somendro (55) and Bonson Kh (45), both from the Uyumpok area, and Ng Suraj (22) of Nongshum — sustained injuries.

Since Tuesday, protesters, including youths and women, have blocked roads and stopped people from travelling unless they considered their reasons valid.

Imphal and other major towns wore a deserted look, with vehicular movement severely disrupted, particularly in the state capital. Shops in major markets, including Singjamei, Lamlong, Konung Mamang, Kwakeithel and Sagolband-Tera, remained closed.

Government and private offices, business establishments, schools and colleges were also affected by the shutdown. No major untoward incident was reported during the strike, according to the available information.