A 24-hour ‘total’ shutdown was observed in Manipur on Saturday, which paralysed normal life, especially in the capital city of Imphal. The shutdown, which was called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in protest of the killing of a youth on December 14, started at 6 PM December 27 and is expected to end at 6 PM December 28.
The event that led to the shutdown was the alleged extra-judicial killing of a 16-year-old boy identified as Laishram Priyam, who was reportedly shot dead by Manipur Police commandos near Salungpham High School in Thoubal district, which resulted from an encounter. He later died from his injuries at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal, capital of the State of Manipur. On the same day this was being done, six other individuals were arrested, and the JAC called for their release.
The shutdown was supported by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), with its students’ front and women’s wing. The tell-tale effect of the strike was seen in Imphal and other parts of the state, with passenger vehicles off the roads and most shops in the major markets such as Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, MG Avenue and most notably, the Nupi Keithel (Women’s Market) shut down. Other outskirts like Singjamei, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, and Tera also followed the shutdown.
The strike affected the working of state, central and private offices, business establishments and schools and colleges were closed. However, the strike did not affect the essential services like the media in the country.
The Students ‘Front of COCOMI termed the government as bruising volunteers that defended Meitei villages. The Women Wing of COCOMI, in support of the bandh, demanded justice for the Salungpham tragedy. Till the latest updates, though much disruption with customers was noted, no negative incidence occurred.
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