Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, April 27 2010:
Already plagued with various forms of agitation including bandhs and the ongoing blockade undertaken by various bodies and organisations in Manipur, the State experienced another general strike (hartal) on Tuesday partly paralyzing normal activities taken-up by the Left Co-ordination Committee, Manipur.
As part of the nation-wide general strike against price rise of essential commodities, the Left parties including CPI, CPI-M, RSP and AIFB of Manipur along with trade bodies and like-minded organizations called the general strike today beginning from 6 am till 4 in the evening in the state.
Following the general strike, inter-state buses service and inter district passengers bus services were being disrupted.
Shops and business establishments remained shut-down during the agitation.
Rickshaw-pullers and farmers which are part of the union stopped their activities for the day supporting the agitation.
BSNL employees and some airline employees joined the agitation too.
However, educational institutions remained open as usual.
Presently, Manipur is reeling under different types of protest and agitation under-taken by different organizations and bodies of the state on various issues.
The Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of the All Manipur Trade Union Council (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees' Organisation (AMGEO) intensified their agitation demanding to implement the Central revised pay (6th pay commission) in the state.
In addition to this, the tribal bodies which include United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association (ANSAM) and the Manipur Tribal joint Action Committee Against Election under Unwanted District Council Act have been protesting against the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third Amendment) Act 2008.The agitating bodies have imposed general strikes in the state while the indefinite blockade along the state highways and national highways is going on.
Along with the rest of the country the Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions and Associations (MJCTUA) to protest against the rise in price of essential commodities.
In a demonstrative meeting held here today the MJCTUA resolved to protest the price rise and urged the Central Government to check the price rise immediately and also to strengthen the PDS in the State.