Road blocks put up everywhere
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 18 2009: Normal life in the State, particularly in the three valley districts of Imphal East, West, Thoubal and Bishnupur was severely affected today due to the 36 hours general strike called by the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup demanding resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, punishment of "criminal police commandos' as well as police officers trying to cover up the Khwairamband market killing and unconditional release of their (Apunba Lup) activists.

The twelve hours curfew relaxation announced by the Govt from 5 am to 5 pm today in Imphal East and Imphal West was rendered meaningless by the general strike.

A road block set up by locals

While Khwairamband market bore a completely deserted look, very few vehicles could be seen on highways and other main roads.

However, some people could be seen moving for religious functions and emergency services.

Due of the general strike, Imphal remained cut off from other district headquarters.

There was no inter-State bus service.

All educational institutions and Govt offices were totally paralysed.

General strike supporters came out in large numbers and blocked roads using timber, boulders and burning tyres at different places.

They also burnt effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, MLA Landhoni and DGP Y Joykumar.

Strike supporters blocked Sawombung road in Imphal East district using trees and burning tyres.

Lamlai police pulled up three strike supporters after a house to house search.

Lamlai police also removed a tree fell down by bandh supporters and put across the road at Chingarel Tezpur.

The police team also called out some youths of the locality and forced them to sweep leaves and other litter off the road.

OC Dhananjoy also asked the local people not to allow felling trees in the area.

Effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi, MLA Landhoni and DGP Y Joykumar were burnt at Chingarel Tezpur.

Similar effigies were also burnt at Samurou Keithel.

In their bid to drive away strike supporters, Wangoi police fired tear gas shells.

This enraged the Meira Paibis prompting them to chase the police team with bamboo staff in their hands.

However, the general strike supporters were driven back after police opened fire in the air.

Mayai Lambi was blocked at Wangoi too by burning tyres.

To disperse the strike supporters police resorted to tear gas shells.

They also pulled up one alleged strike supporter, Wahengbam Indrajit (20) from the toilet of his house.

Tyres were also burnt on the road near Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar.

At Lilong Chajing Mairenkhong, strike supporters burnt effigies of Okram Ibobi, Landhoni and Joykumar.

Police commandos forced some youths working in workshops around Manipur University main gate to douse a burning tyres.

Roads were also blocked at Lilong Chajing, Langthabal, Kyamgei Pal Ahanbi, Pichu Lampak and Pheija Leitong.

One Ningthoujam Mani (30) w/o Kullabidhu of Lilong Chajing and secretary of the Singjamei to Lilong Meira Paibi Apunba Lup Shantilata (50) sustained injuries as police baton charged strike supporters.

Normal life in the hill districts was also paralysed due to the 48 hours bandh called by the UNC, ANSAM, NWUM and NPMHR against the killing of two NSCN (IM) cadres by AR at Shakok.

All commercial establishments and offices remained closed in district headquarters.

All types of vehicles stayed off the roads.

Educational institutions also remained closed.

Our Jiribam correspondent adds: The 48-hour hill districts bandh called by various Naga civil organsiations severely affected vehicular movement along NH-53 .

However, there is no report of any untoward incident so far.