Strike, blockade disrupt normal life in Manipur

A 32-hour general strike called by a Muslim body in Manipur on Tuesday disrupted normal life in the state, officials said.

The strike, called by the All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee (AMMOCC) from 6 a.m., was a complete success in the Muslim-dominated areas.

No vehicular movement was allowed along Imphal-Ukhrul highway in Imphal East district as the people were protesting against the shifting of the hospital site from Sagolmang to Keirao.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said: "The government is evicting illegal encroachers at reserved forest areas near the Nomaiching mountain. The authority shall evict all encroachers irrespective of community."

"It is very deplorable that some persons are talking about communal politics. Encroachment in the reserved forest is illegal," the Chief Minister added.

He also appealed to the AMMOCC not to play communal politics.

Some persons were injured during the protest. Police fired several tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Moirang police station was injured in stone pelting by some Muslim youths at Kwakta in Bishnupur district.

One elderly woman was also rushed to the hospital when she was hit by a tear gas canister.

--IANS

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