General strike affects life partially in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 25 (UNI) A 12-hour general strike, called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the recent blast at Ragailong, registered partial impact today.

Due to non-publication of newspapers in Manipur people had little knowledge about the strike and most shops remained open at Imphal.

At Ragailong area the strike supporters blocked streets by burning tyres. The blockade was, however, removed by security personnel.

Security was also beefed up in the area to prevent any untoward incident.

The main market, Khwairamband keithel, remained open. However, all inter and intra-state bus services were cancelled. All the oil depots were also closed.

All educational institutions and banks remained open despite the strike.

Altogether 17 persons had died and 20 others were seriously injured in a blast at Ragailong on October 21.

The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) claimed responsibility for the blast. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident so far.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had assured that the state government will provide all necessary assistance to the next of kin of all those killed or injured in the attack.

N Bhumeshwor, secretary of the JAC, has alleged that the government had not yet paid compensation to the victims.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had also assured to provide Rs one lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

The Chief Minister, during his visit to the victims, had assured to provide all possible assistance and take up appropriate action against the perpetrators.

Manipur Governor Gurbhachan Jagat gave Rs 50,000 as assistance to the injured to meet the medical expenses.

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