Strike affects normal life in Manipur

IMPHAL: Normal life was affected in Manipur today due to a 18-hour general strike called by major insurgents organisations.

The Coordination Committee (CORCOM), formed by seven major insurgent organisations, has been calling a general strike on every October 15 for past some years to protest merger of Manipur with India.

Educational institutions, banks and several private offices were closed, while government offices were open but attendance was affected as buses did not run, official reports said.

Markets, shops, business establishments and entertainment houses were closed, while transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states and within the state were cancelled.

Police and security forces were deployed at various parts of the state particularly in four valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur.

The strike, called last midnight, would end at 6:00 PM.