24-hour bandh partially affects normal life in Manipur

IMPHAL — A 24-hour statewide bandh called by candidates who appeared for the 2019 recruitment examination of the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) and Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) partially disrupted normal life across Manipur on Wednesday.

The bandh came into effect from midnight on August 4 in protest against the prolonged delay in completing the recruitment process. The candidates are demanding that the state government revoke its order reportedly cancelling the 2019 recruitment examination and declare the results at the earliest.

The shutdown affected commercial activity in the state capital, with most shops in major markets, including Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar and MG Avenue, remaining closed. Footfall at the iconic Nupi Keithel (Ima Market) was also significantly lower than usual.

Government and private offices functioned partially as the suspension of local transport services disrupted movement between Imphal and several district headquarters. While most educational institutions in and around Imphal remained open, schools and colleges in some outlying areas were affected by the bandh.

Emergency services, including hospitals, medical services, water supply, electricity and religious functions, were exempted from the shutdown. The bandh was originally scheduled to begin on the midnight of July 31 but was postponed to avoid disrupting a written examination conducted that day.

Ahead of the protest, the All Manipur MSPCL and MSPDCL 2019 Exam Completed Candidates had appealed to the public to support the statewide bandh.