IMPHAL, Jun 24: Normal life in Imphal and other areas was crippled on the second day of the 48 hours State-wide bandh imposed by the JAC constituted against the declaration of wanted tag on former JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan today. The bandh that began from yesterday midnight hampered all forms of business activities in Imphal and other major business centres in and around the State capital for the second consecutive day. Private vehicles except on religious activities, emergency services and media persons remained off the roads and no inter-district and inter-State passenger vehicles came to Imphal due to the stir. All the business establishments, shops, oil pumps, cinema halls and educational institutes were closed. Important market areas like Thangal bazar and Paona bazar and Ima markets wore deserted looks. Government offices also recorded low attendance due to the bandh that will end today midnight.
Security personnel including police, Manipur Rifles, IRB and women IRB were seen deployed at many areas in Imphal East and Imphal West districts to thwart unwanted incidents. The bandh was strictly imposed at Yaiskul, Moirangkhom, Yumnam Leikai, Singjamei Chingamakha up to Heirangoithong and towards Canchipur at various places. Bandh supporters mostly womenfolk gathered at Singjamei bridge and imposed the bandh.
The road that connects Singjamei and Kongba and Kongba and Wangkhei were also blocked at different locations. Locals of Lamlong, Chingmeirong, Sangakpham, Thangmeiband and Khoyathong also clamped the bandh at different areas. People of Uripok Sorbon Thingel also tried to block Uripok-Kangchup road by burning tyres. However, a team of Lamphel police dispersed them.
Volunteers of Leimakhong L Phaikot Magic Society in association with villagers imposed the bandh at Khurkhul, Kanto and Leimakhong Chingmang. Similar protests were seen at Lairikyengbam Leikai, Lamlong Thong, Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Khunou and Iroisemba. At Thoubal district protest demonstrations were held at Yairipok by Apunba Khunnai Kanba Lup, Yairipok and Apunba Nupi Khunai Lamjing Meira Lup, Yairipok. Passengers services were suspended for the day and markets, shops and other establishment remained closed at Thoubal district and Bishnupur district. Different organisations and lups staged different forms of protests at various parts of Bishnupur district in support of the bandh.
