Bandh affects life in Manipur, economic blockade from tomorrow

Imphal, Jul 31 (UNI) The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) sponsored 24-hour general strike which began last midnight affected life here in Manipur.

"The strike was called to protest the killing of Paominlen Touthang and Lhunlal Haokip by Imphal West police commandos on July 26 last. After the conclusion of the bandh today midnight another indefinite economic blockade will begin tomorrow," the KSO said.

The Kuki Students' Organisation, All Manipur Students' Union, AMSU, Manipur Forward Youth Front, MAFYF, Kuki Movement for Human Rights, Kuki Mothers' Association and other organisations had supported the bandh.

They demanded a judicial probe into the killings and alleged that the two were innocent and killed after being arrested.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had held talks last evening with the students, however, no agreement was reached. The Chief Minister assured to institute an enquiry headed by an IG. Police had alleged that the two were cadres of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).

KSO president Kipgen said general strike will be called again on August two and three if the government does not fulfill its demands. Due to the strike no vehicles plied on the roads and all inter-state bus services were cancelled.

All educational institutes were closed down. All business establishments and oil depots were also closed down.

Streets were blocked using burnt tyres, wood by bandh supporters in various parts of the state.

UNI NS BA/src1158