Shutdown cripples life in Manipur hill districts

Normal life was hit in all five hill districts of Manipur today in the 48 hours shutdown called by Joint Action Committee (JAC) against Anti-tribal Bills.
The shutdown that began from midnight is supported by tribal bodies, including United Naga Council (UNC) and Zeliangrong Youth Front.
There is no report of any violence from any of the districts. Educational establishments remained closed, business activities were not conducted and inter-district bus services and other vehicular movement came to a halt, police said.
In Churachandpur district, a large number of police personnel were placed at strategic points in the headquarter town of Lamka as tribal volunteers turned out in large numbers to enforce the shutdown, the police said.

In Senapati and Tamenglong districts too a large number of volunteers enforced the shutdown and burnt tyres to prevent any vehicular movement. Similar activities were also reported in Chandel district, a police officer said.
The shutdown was also strongly supported by the ethnic tribes of Ukhrul district, where life was hit, said police.

JAC has called the shutdown to protest against the May 9 meeting of all political parties and its subsequent decision to send a delegation to Delhi to pressurize the Centre to enact as acts the three bills passed by Manipur state assembly on August 30 last year.

The three Bills - The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and The Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 were passed by Manipur assembly to implement Inner Line Permit system (ILP) in the north eastern state and safeguard the identity of all communities in the state from illegal immigration from neighbouring countries.
However, it was not accepted by sections of the tribal people, which lead to calling of general strikes, allegations and counter-allegations.