One killed as Manipur shutdown affects normal life

A motorist was killed even as a 38-hour shutdown paralysed normal life across Manipur for the second day on Saturday.

The shutdown that began at 4 a.m. on Friday and ended at 6 p.m. on Saturday was called by activists pressing for presidential assent to three anti-migrant bills already passed by the Manipur assembly.

Oinam Balendra, 38, was killed when he was chased by shutdown supporters after he failed to heed their order to halt. While fleeing the agitationists, he met with an accident and was killed.

Earlier, hundreds of shutdown supporters burned tyres and dumped logs and boulders on roads to prevent movement of vehicles. They also shouted slogans in support of their demands and held sit-ins at several places.

All shops, markets, business centres, government offices and educational institutes were closed. The roads wore a deserted look.

The latest shutdown comes shortly after the 48-hour general strike the hill districts of the state observed in protest against the three bills they have termed as "anti-tribal" legislation.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said on Saturday that he was awaiting an appointment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a crucial meeting on the three contentious anti-migrants bills.

"I have sought appointment with both to discuss the three bills that have been passed by the Manipur assembly on August 31, 2015. There is no response from their offices so far," the chief minister said.

--IANS

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