IMPHAL, February 12: Following the 19-hour long boycott call by student bodies against non-locals in the state against the recent spurt of crimes and violence perpetrated towards people of the North East region especially that of Manipur, the non-local populated pockets in Imphal wore a deserted look.
Condemning the recent spurt of “racial attacks” on people of the region, the Joint Students Co-ordination Committee (JSCC) of AMSU, MSF, KSA, SUK, AIMS had clamped a boycott against non-locals in the state from 5am to midnight today in the state.
As part of ther protest, volunteers were seen forcing shops to close down since early morning.
Around 40-50 volunteer of the JSCC were seen at various places in Imphal area where non-locals have opened shoped.
In some areas of Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, Masjid road etc shops were open in the morning how
Convenor of the JSCC Thangjam Premananda said that volunteers have been on the look out for any non-local opening shop during the boycott.
Some shops were found opened but subsequently forced to shut and warned them with special actions if found defying them again, he said.
He further condemned the state government for remaining as silent spectators.
He further accused the Governme nt of Delhi, Centre, and Manipur of totally failing to safeguard the live and dignity of every North Easterner in the national capital and demanded tough anti-racial law.
However, untoward incidents were not reported during the course of the curfew.