IT News
Imphal, Oct 15:
A 12-hour general strike, called by various armed rebel groups including CorCom, ASUK, and SOREPA, disrupted life across Manipur today. The strike was organized to protest the annexation of Manipur into the Indian Union on this day in 1949. The shutdown, which commenced at 6 AM, severely impacted normalcy throughout the state, with businesses, schools, and government offices all affected.
Nearly all business establishments and private enterprises in Imphal and district headquarters remained closed, while schools and colleges also downed their shutters. Government offices reported minimal attendance, with most employees staying away from work. Public and private transportation came to a standstill, with only a few vehicles seen on the roads. Key roads in Imphal, such as Thangal Bazar and Paona Bazar, remained eerily deserted, creating an atmosphere of quiet tension.
The impact of the strike was particularly noticeable in the state capital, Imphal, and other major district headquarters like Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching etc. Residents largely stayed indoors, and the streets, normally bustling with activity, saw almost no movement.
While no major incidents of violence were reported, a heavy police presence was observed in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward events. Security forces were deployed in strategic locations to ensure the safety of government properties and maintain order.