Strike but outlaws paralysed life in Manipur

Imphal, Oct 15 (UNI) Life in Manipur was paralysed today following state-wide strike called by three banned outifts The Manipur Peoples' Liberation Front (MPLF), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) and Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF) called a sixteen-and-half hour bandh from 0100 to 1730 hours to oppose the alleged "annexation of the region by the (Indian) government." These outfits are opposing Manipur's status in the Indian Union and observing "Black Day" today.

Manipur bacame part of the Indian Union on October, 15, 1949.

Passenger transports were off the roads as all inter and intra state bus services have been cancelled for precautionary measure.

The streets were deserted and all businessmen downed their shutters in response to the bandh call.

All the educational institutes were also closed.

The government offices were opened, but had thin attendance.

Security was beefed up in view of the strike as large numbers of security personnel were stationed at strategic locations.

So far no untoward incident has been reported.

The outfits in a statement said there should be complete black out for 15 minutes from 1900 hours today.

UNI NS PC RD 1253