A 24-hour shutdown call given by underground National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) hit normal life in Manipur, particularly in Imphal on Wednesday.
NRFM gave the state-wide shutdown call in protest against the ‘forceful’ merger of Manipur with the Indian Union on September 21, 1949. Owing to the shutdown, business establishments in market places in Imphal including at Khwairamband Bazaar covering Paona Bazaar, Thangal Bazaar, BT Road, Allu Galli, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Wahengbam Leikei and Keishampat were closed. Oil pumps were not function for the day. A sharp reduction in the traffic volume was witnessed on the streets in Imphal. Similar situation was reported from other valley districts of Bishnupur and Thoubal were also hit by the shutdown. Inter-state passenger buses and goods trucks were also off the roads. The shutdown, however, did not affect regular flights. Except non-arrival of the inter-district buses and other commercial vehicles, there was no impact of the shutdown in the hill districts of the state. While giving the shutdown call, the NRFM alleged that Delhi has ruined the indigenous people’s identity during its nearly seven decades of oppressive rule. NRFM further alleged that the armed conflict between Manipur and India was also the by-product of the ‘forceful’ merger of Manipur with the Union of India.
No untoward incident was reported from any part of the state during the strike which would be ended by this midnight.
NRFM gave the state-wide shutdown call in protest against the ‘forceful’ merger of Manipur with the Indian Union on September 21, 1949. Owing to the shutdown, business establishments in market places in Imphal including at Khwairamband Bazaar covering Paona Bazaar, Thangal Bazaar, BT Road, Allu Galli, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Wahengbam Leikei and Keishampat were closed. Oil pumps were not function for the day. A sharp reduction in the traffic volume was witnessed on the streets in Imphal. Similar situation was reported from other valley districts of Bishnupur and Thoubal were also hit by the shutdown. Inter-state passenger buses and goods trucks were also off the roads. The shutdown, however, did not affect regular flights. Except non-arrival of the inter-district buses and other commercial vehicles, there was no impact of the shutdown in the hill districts of the state. While giving the shutdown call, the NRFM alleged that Delhi has ruined the indigenous people’s identity during its nearly seven decades of oppressive rule. NRFM further alleged that the armed conflict between Manipur and India was also the by-product of the ‘forceful’ merger of Manipur with the Union of India.
No untoward incident was reported from any part of the state during the strike which would be ended by this midnight.