Imphal, September 07, 2010: Most business establishments and banks remained shut, major market places wore a deserted look while normal activities of educational institutions were partially affected as the 12 hour general strike called by various trade unions ended on a peaceful note here in the State this evening.

Heeding the country-wide strike called by trade unions such as INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, HM-KP, UTUC and various industry-wise federations, Manipur-based All Manipur Bank Employees' Association, transport bodies, student and youth organisations, political as well as trade-related bodies extended support to the general strike which ended at 6 pm.

Even though no formal announcements were made by authorities of educational institutions, schools students in particularly were the most affected as vehicles engaged in the transportation of students ceased service.

With Khwairamband Keithel and other main commercial centres of the capital city downing shutters and passenger carriers staying off the road, trade activities were at the bare minimal.

Vehicular traffic was also restricted to movement of few private vehicles.

Mention may be made that essential services were exempted from the purview of the strike.

Attempt by some suspected strike supporters to enforce the strike at singjamei area was foiled by police teams deployed at various strategic locations.

Meanwhile, State unit general secretary of All India Trade Union Congress Sotinkumar described the day-long strike as the 'most successful' of all strikes enforced in recent times.

Crediting support of the general public and trade union organisations for the successful conclusion to the movement, he also informed of arrest of about a dozen trade union activists from Singjamei, Khwairamband, Lilong bazar and Bishnupur district headquarters.

Sotinkumar asserted that the Union will not demand release of its detained activists for the Government should understand that the movement was launched to highlight plight of the common people who had been reeling under severe hardships due to failure of the Government to control prices of essential commodities as a consequence of ongoing privatisation policy of the Centre.

Contending that inefficiency of the SPF Government had resulted in the devastation caused to various structures inside 2nd Manipur rifles complex after a fire broke out from a house storing unauthorised petrol, he also suggested that a price fixation committee be set up by the Government to check random sale of essential items at exorbitant rate.

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