Manipur strike to end tonight in view of Manipuri Language Day

The 48-hour general strike called by the followers of arrested Inner Line Permit (ILP) movement leader Khomdram Ratan, which had crippled normal life in Manipur today, will end at midnight tonight in view of celebration of Manipuri Language Day tomorrow.
A press release issued late tonight by the convenor of the Joint Action Committee Against Declaration of Wanted Tag on Ratan (JACADOWTOR), which has called the ongoing general strike, conveyed its decision to end the strike tonight.
In 1991, Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
Manipuri language was the first major Indian language included in 8th Schedule of the Constitution from amongst the Sino-Tibetan or Tibeto-Burman group of languages.

The strike began from midnight last night and since morning, all vehicular traffic were stopped as all the inter- state, inter-district and buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws were off the road, the police said.
Shutters were down in all business establishments including main business centres of Imphal city, Khwairamband Women Markets.

All educational institutions and entertainment houses were also closed, the police said.
Ratan, the former convenor of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, was arrested from Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West district where he took part in a hunger strike with others.
The police had in June declared Ratan 'wanted' and announced a reward of Rs five lakh for anyone who could provide information leading to his arrest.

Ratan was remanded for nine days in police custody by a district court yesterday.
The strike was supposed to continue till midnight tomorrow.