Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, July 20 2010:
Normal life in Manipur was partially affected today due to the 15-hour State wide bandh called by the Manipur Peoples' Party (MPP) against the 'artificial scarcity' of essential commodities and price hike in Manipur.
The bandh began midnight of Monday and ended at 3 pm today.
The impromptu bandh crippled inter-district transporters and many people were taken aback due to the sudden non-availability of inter-district passenger bus services.
Today is also a State holiday on account of Kanglen (Purnajatra).
The main markets in Imphal today had a deserted look with many shops and business establishments downing their shutters for the day due to the bandh and Kanglen.
Very few vegetable vendors were seen selling their items as many suppliers from different parts of the State failed to turn up for day.
Many Hindu worshippers had a hard time searching fruits and green vegetables as 80% of the supplies come from other parts of the State and outside the State.
It can be noted here that defying the CrPC 144, the MPP members attempted to storm the Assembly sitting to protest the scarcity of essential items and price hike but was foiled by the Manipur police on Monday.
Five top party leaders including its president were detained yesterday by the police and released later in the day.