IMPHAL, October 28: The first day of the 36-hour state-wide bandh called by the JAC formed in connection with the alleged murder of JCB driver Devraj failed to make much impact in the state except in some areas.
Meanwhile, the JAC has informed that the bandh will conclude at 5 am of October 29.
The bandh which started from 5 am this morning was mainly concentrated in and around the driver’s birthplace Khurai and its neighbouring localities.
It may be mentioned that the JAC and locals of Khurai had yesterday announced the 36 hour bandh against the killing of JCB driver Devaraj whose highly decomposed body was recovered from Senjang in Senapati district on Saturday.
Altogether five accused including four from a family have been arrested so far, according to the police.
The bandh affected parts of Singjamei Bazar, Lamlong Bazar, New Checkon and Palace Gate as business establishments and other establishments remained closed at these places.
Khurai and Lamlong bazar wore a deserted look throughout the day with commuters remaining off the roads.
All roads passing through the locality including the Imphal Ukhrul road, Lamlong to Pangei, Tinsid road remain deserted throughout the day as vehicles including passenger services remained off the road.
Large numbers of JAC members and bandh supporters came out to the streets and blocked traffic movement since early this morning even as a large contingent of police personnel were seen deployed at strategic points in the vicinity of Lamlong bazar to avert any untoward incident.
The bandh effect was also felt at Palace Gate and New Checkon area with shops remaining closed in the day though they started opening towards the evening.
Meanwhile, bandh supporters were also seen coming out in strong numbers in the Singjamei area. Singjamei locals including womenfolk came out to the streets and imposed the bandh near Manipur College.
Meanwhile, in the evening around 2:30 pm, after getting information that the state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh will be passing through the Khurai locality to attend MLA Thamarjit’s marriage at Lamlai, a large number of local youths and womenfolk came out to block the passing Chief Minister and his motorcade.
However, the presence of a large number of police personnel including woman police under the supervision of the Imphal East SP Angam Kamei curbed any intention of the locals to block the CM and his entourage from passing the area.
Meanwhile, the main bazar areas of Imphal remained opened and all inter-district and inter-state passenger service other than those passing through Khurai area operated as usual.