Imphal, October 15 2010: Normal life was paralyzed across the state today due to the boycott called by separatist Revolutionary People Front (RPF) which was supported by other underground groups.

However, the spirit of 'Bor Jatra', a part of the Durga Puja was not dampened by the strike.

The Revolutionary People Front (RPF), the political wing of the People Liberation Army (PLA) called the boycott as part of the observation of "Black Day" to mark protest against India's annexation of Manipur.

It was on this day, the 'Manipur Merger Agreement' was signed in 1949 .

Streets in Imphal and other parts of the valley district wore a deserted look as all types of commercial transport vehicles were off the road except some light vehicles.

Most of those going in light vehicles and two wheelers wore the traditional Meitei white colour dress indicating that they were going for religious worships.

No untoward incident reporteds were during the strike hours (1 am to 6.30 pm).

All shops and business establishments were closed during the 17.30 hour boycott called which ended this evening at 6.30 pm.

The strike crippled normal life in other districts of the state including the hills.

Life was affected in Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts as long distance passenger buses stopped their services.

However, normal plying of some short distances buses and vehicles within these districts were reported.

A report from Mao gate said that despite the general strike a total of 131 loaded vehicles including nine oil tankers, 19 bullet tankers, proceeded to Imphal at noon with security escort provided by CRPF.

Another 30 empty trucks crossed Mao gate for onward journey to their respective destinations, the report added.

Another report from Chandel district headquarters said that normal bus service from Chandel to Moreh plied but no bus or taxi service vehicle proceeded to Moreh from Imphal.

However, the reports made clear that taxi services had already stopped for three days in protest against the heavy monetary demands from underground outfits.

Amid the boycott and general strikes called by the separatist, a huge number of devotees thronged the Hiyangthang Temple located 15 km on the south of Imphal for worshipping Durga Puja on "Bor Jatra" .

Chief Minister, O Ibobi and his spouse, MLA O Landoni were among the devotees thronged to the temple to seek blessing from the Durga on the occasion.

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