IMPHAL, Dec 8: The 24 hours statewide general strike called by the underground KCP from 5 Pm yesterday evening against the government of India and state government on alleged concealment of the fact behind the arrest of chairman of the underground UNLF, RK Meghen alias Sanayaima, seriously impacted normal life in the state today.
Educational institutions, business establishments, and market places mainly in the valley districts were totally paralyzed, besides all forms of inter districts and inter state transport services including local taxi services stayed off from their normal services during the strike hours.
It may be mentioned that, UNLF has issued a press release yesterday claiming that it is not in favour of the 24-hour general strike called by KCP since a bandh will only add burden on the common people of Manipur, particularly daily wage earners, who are already too burdened by chaotic situation in the State in recent times.
Even though there was a strong instructions of the state government to all the employees of the various department to attend their respective offices and departments today, attendance was extremely thin in various government departments.
There were however no official report of unwanted eventualities during the strike hours.
The state police, considering the possibility of violent activities during the general strike took up heavy security preventive measures in the greater Imphal areas since yesterday by beefing up security presence of MR IRBs personnel in various vulnerable junctions of the greater Imphal area.
Security personnel were detailed at Chingmierong Nongchup western side of Lamlong bridge, DMC complex, Bapupara, Jail road road, Sing & Co, Moirangkhom, Yumnam Leikai, Keishampat, Keishamthong, khagempalli, Kwakeithel, Wahengbam Leikai, Sagolband and Uripok areas by a strong team of police officers led by N Madhumani Singh MPS, SDPO, Imphal assisted by Inspector L Meghabarna Singh, OC Imphal PS, above this the strong team of state police were also deployed at Khwai Bazar areas and Sanjenthong western side, North AOC western side of Minuthong, Thangmeiband, Lamphel areas Iraoisemba areas Takyel, Tera Sangaiprou upto Imphal Airport, Mayai Koibi, Singjamei Supper Market, Singjamei Bazar, Kakwa bazaar MU Complex upto Lilong Bridge and Monsangei areas by the concerned police under supervisions of various OC concerned and official from the Imphal PS since yesterday.
Above these heavy deployment of security at identified static points including MU gate Kanchipur, Chinga Crossing Pishumthong, Sing & Co and Moriangkhom were made keen vigil with deployment of personnels MR and IRBs since yesterday to prevent any untoward incident during the general strike.