A street in Imphal wears a deserted look during the general
strike on Thursday.
- IMPHAL — A
48-hour general strike called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur
Integrity (COCOMI) in protest against the May 20 incident, where the Army’s
Mahar Regiment allegedly asked the occupants of a state transport bus to cover
Manipur's name, brought normal life to a standstill in Manipur on Thursday.
-
- The state bus was transporting media persons and Directorate
of Information and Public Relation officials to cover the inaugural function of
the 5-day state level Shirui festival, which is currently underway at multiple
locations in Ukhrul district since May 20.
- The May 20 incident took place at Gwaltabi area, about 25 km
north of Imphal along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway.
Also read: Committee constituted into harassment of media persons
- The protestors demanded an apology from the state governor
and immediate resignation of top state officials for allegedly ordering removal
of 'Manipur' from state buses.
- The general strike, which came into force from Wednesday
midnight, disturbed vehicular movement in the state, particularly in Imphal and
other valley districts.
-
- All shops in major markets in the state capital, including
Paona Bazar, Thangal bazar, MG Avenue and the iconic Nupi Keithel (women’s
market) and other periphery markets like Singjamei Super Market, remained
closed due to the strike. Government offices also reported poor attendance.
