IMPHAL, August 17: A 2-hour long general strike called by JCILPS disturbed the general traffic and public activities today.
As there was no clear cut time spelt out by JCILPS for imposing the strike, many commuters faced several grievances due to the hurriedly called unclear agitation.
As strikers came out in the morning and took to the streets, roads were blocked at Sagolband area of Imphal west.
Later, the road blocks spread to many areas in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts.
Public travelling from other hill areas including Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Churachandpur were affected by the bandh. It was complained from various quarters that there was no clear cut time fixed by the JCILPS and people had no idea of when and where the general strike would be imposed.
As sporadic road blocks appeared in Imphal and greater Imphal area, vehicular traffic was hindered inclusive of public transportation. Many people were left stranded due to the strike and had to walk till their destination.
The urban areas inclusive of Thangmeiband area remained closed to traffic, as two hunger strikers are presently undergoing their agitation in the area demanding implementation of ILP system in the State.
As vehicles were forced to turn back from Thangmeiband and Dingku Road, the main route connecting Imphal East and West via the Minuthong remained congested while, the Chingmeirong traffic island was also heavily jammed.
As there was no clear indication about the time when the strike was supposed to start, agitators started from different timings.
There were a lot of arguments between motorists who were going to their work and the unrestrained agitators.
Once a road was blocked, there was no clear cut timing of when it will end and the protestors had a field day disrupting public conveyance.
Many voiced that the JCILPS method of calling a strike for two hours without indicating to the time was a huge problem for the general public. They voiced that there should be a well notified timing when a protest should be held.
Public transportations from other districts too faced the brunt of the unorganized strike. Travels from other districts were particularly agitated especially from Churachandpur area, as protestors butt off the road at Malom area. There were voices of concern raised from the public that the JCILPS need to be more mature in spearheading the agitation.
The unorganized strike also affected those going to the airport and availing taxi services to other districts. Such events and inclusive of medical services, media have been greatly disturbed by agitators despite the JCILPS constant appeal to agitators to give the mentioned free passage.
Later, it is also learnt that the very confusion had led to a confrontation between groups of youth of two adjoining localities of Khagempalli and Kwakeithel areas. It is learnt that both sides indulged in firing catapults and pelting stones reportedly injuring around four people including a meira paibi.
Meanwhile speaking talking to IFP a resident of the area has appealed the JCILPS to be clear on their announcement of their agitation agenda so as to avoid unwanted confrontation which could possibly lead to undesirable consequences.