New Year in Manipur begins with bandh

Imphal, Jan 2: The New Year celebrations in Manipur was marred by the 24-hour general strike called by Meitei Erol Eyek Loinsillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) today.

The strike began at five in the morning protesting the killing of its former President, Ch Akaba (60), by unidentified gunmen on January first at Soibam Leikai in Imphal East.

All inter state passenger bus services were cancelled and all the banks were also closed down.

The streets wore a deserted look as all shops were closed down.

The attendance in the government offices was also low, sources said.

Police said the investigation was on to ascertain the killing.

The body the deceased had been kept at his residence and the last rites would be performed tomorrow.

The MEELAL had warned all those involved in the killing to clarify within five days failing which it would intensify the stir.

UNI