Strike by civil society group disrupts life in Imphal

Normal life was hit hard after a civil society group called a 12-hour general strike on Tuesday, protesting against the construction of a temporary market here.

It is the second consecutive day the strike has been called by the Thangmeiband Kendra Development Organisation (TAKDO) and the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur.

Earlier on Monday, over 30 people, mostly women, sustained injuries in clashes during the strike called in the Manipur capital in a protest against the objectionable behaviour by women vendors against a BJP legislator after he stopped reconstruction of market complexes destroyed in the earthquake.

Heishnam Jamuna, secretary of TAKDO said: "Some of us met with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi to request him help construct the temporary market at a suitable place.

"However, he was very belligerent. Throughout the brief meeting, he maintained that the government had decided to construct the market at the roadside and the constructions shall be completed on schedule. So we decided to go ahead with the general strike".

Shops, banks, schools and other establishments were closed and there was no traffic in the Thangal market area here.

Security measures have been beefed up, as police fear more confrontation since the government is going ahead with the construction of the temporary market.

Activists are not allowing plying of vehicles even at the periphery of the town.

Meanwhile, government has firmed up to carry on the construction works in the temporary market.

Works Minister K. Ratankumar said: "This is not the only temporary market. Another one will also be constructed at the eastern side of the pologround."