General strike cripples normal life in Manipur’s Imphal Valley

In Manipur, a 24-hr general strike called by a coordinating committee of 27 Assembly constituencies paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley. Schools, markets, public transport stayed off the roads, while private vehicles were seen plying. The strike was to demand an emergency Assembly session to discuss various issues. The Manipur Cabinet recommended a session from Aug 21, as the previous one was held in March. Ethnic violence has plagued the State for 3 months, claiming over 160 lives. Tension between Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis has heightened due to a public mass burial and talks between Kuki militant organisations and the Centre. Meiteis account for 53% of the population and live in the Valley, while tribals constitute 40% and reside in the hills.

The 24-hour general strike called by the coordinating committee of 27 Assembly constituencies in Manipur on Saturday paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, with markets and business establishments remaining shut in almost all localities.

Public transport stayed off the road and only a few private vehicles were seen plying on the streets.

Schools also remained closed due to the strike from midnight.

Also Read | Manipur HC directs status quo be maintained at mass burial site

The hill districts, however, have largely been unaffected by the strike, which the committee called to demand an emergency Assembly session to discuss various issues.

The committee’s convenor L. Binod had earlier said that the strike is not to add to the hardships of the people, but to “pressure the government”.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Cabinet on Friday recommended Governor Anusuiya Uikey to convene a session of the Assembly from August 21.