IMPHAL, March 10: The 40 hours statewide general strike called by the umbrella organization of the state MPLF boycotting the visiting President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patel since last mid-night have seriously affected normal life in the state.
Even though the government had provided a tight security blanket throughout the city pertaining to the maiden visit of the first citizen of the country and the clarion call for boycott of the visit by MPLF, an umbrella organization of three influential underground outfits of the state, most Imphal roads remained empty throughout the day.
Amidst tight security cover and the boycott call, crowd turnout along the Tiddim road through which the President of India arrived at the Raj Bhavan today was remained empty.
The entire airport- Raj Bhavan stretch of Tiddim road remained deserted except for the security personnel who were positioned there to provide security to the President and her entourage.
Deserted roads could be seen throughout the city with few vehicles seen plying on the roads and most roads turned to play-fields for children.
All main markets, business establishments, educational institutions located at the valley districts remain paralysed today, however with strong instructions from the state chief secretary; employees of various departments were seen attending to their respective offices located at the greater Imphal areas today.
On the other hand due to the general strike, all forms inter state as well inter districts passenger services also remained suspended for whole day which further gave a serious impact to the normal life in the hill districts today.
