Strike paralyses life in Manipur

Amid stray incidents of violence, life was paralysed for the second day today due to 38-hour general strike called by the Jount Action Committee (JAC) demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (IPL) in Manipur.
Three national highways including a portion of Asian Highway No-1 were blocked by the agitators by piling up earth, stone, boulders, trees, iron pipes, burnt tyres and used women wears (Phanek) besides sitting across the roads by them, police officials said.
A large number of women organised rallies and burnt the effigies of Chief minister O Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam at Keirak and Wabagai areas in Thoubal district.

Police had tough time as the agitators kept on pelting stones, using slingshots and catapults against them. Several rounds of tear gas shells, mock bombs, slingshot projectiles were also fired to control the agitators leaving some with minor injuries on both sides, the officials said.
All vehicles remained off the roads while markets and shops were closed. Attendance in government offices and public undertakings were thin, they said.