IMPHAL, April 18: The state-wide indefinite general strike called against the alleged killing of Md Sana by a mob affected only certain minority dominated pockets of the valley districts today with police resorting to firing several rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas shells to control the bandh supporters.
Md Sana was killed during an alleged mob violence on April 12 at Yairipok Phoudel.
Meanwhile, following a meeting with the state Chief Minister this evening on the issue and his assurance to commission an inquiry into the death of Md Sana, the JAC this evening has decided to suspend the general strike.
The JAC formed against the killing while decrying the act and the silence of the government, had called a state wide indefinite general strike from April 13 which was temporarily suspended on April 17 on account of the Realisation Day observation of the All Manipur Students’ Union and re-imposed the same day from 6 pm.
Meanwhile, most major commercial areas remained unaffected by the general strike with all business establishments remaining open and vehicles plying along the roads.
Passenger services including inter-district and inter-state services also remained largely unaffected by the bandh.
Violence was reported at Haffiz Hatta, Golapati, Lilong, Heikrumakhong and other areas where bandh supporters pelted stones at passers-by and barricaded roads by burning tyres at the places.
The general strike was the most palpable at Hatta. Police had to fire several rounds of tear gas shells, mock bombs and rubber bullets in their bid to control the bandh supporters in the area. Some passer-bys were injured and many vehicles damaged during the violence from bandh supporters in the area.
A woman who was pillion riding on her husband’s scooter was injured on the head when a stone from the bandh supporters hit her this afternoon around 1pm.
The two, however afraid of more attacks sped away from the scene.
Meanwhile, bandh supporters have also claimed that a woman and two men bandh supporters were injured at Hatta Golapati during the mellee.
It may be mentioned that the bandh supporters at Hatta Golapati had not even spared the media persons who had come to cover the agitation.
The supporters pelted stones at the media persons who were trying to get photos.
A woman passer-by at Khurai Heikrumakhong area was also hit by a bullet. The bullet scratched her on her right rib. However it cannot be ascertained whether the bullet was fired by the police or by bandh supporters, informed a reliable source.
The woman identified as Irom Nungshitombi, 40, wife of Irom Kriti of Wabagai Charak Mayai Leikai was rushed to JNIMS for treatment but is said to be out of danger. Kriti who works at the Palheiba brick farm at Pangei was going to meet her husband at his workplace when the incident happened.