A 24-hour general strike starting from 3 am of Wednesday has been imposed by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) which was formed in connection with the abduction of Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba by Kuki militants.
The JAC announced the imposition of the general strike on Tuesday, alleging that the state government has not undertaken concrete efforts to rescue the youths who have been taken hostage.
JAC spokesperson Irom Bimol told the media that the committee had announced a 48-hour general strike across Thoubal district, protesting against the Kuki militants who have not freed the youths. As the first 24 hours of the general strike went peacefully, the remaining 24 hours will include the entire state of Manipur, he added.
He appealed to the CSOs, clubs and organisations, meira paibis, Meitei Pangals, and the Naga community to support the general strike in the interest of the people of Manipur.
The 48-hour general strike in Thoubal district against the government’s failure to secure the release of two Meitei youths abducted by Kuki militants, which began from 3 am of Tuesday has disrupted the normal life.
Aggrieved people of the district also gathered and obstructed road at Khongiom, Wanging- Heirok Lamkhai, Wanging keithel, Wanging Awang leikai, Wangbal, Khangabok, Thoubal Athokpam Arong Thong, Athokpam Keithel, Thoubal- Yairipok Lamkhai, Thoubal Thong, Thoubal Kiyam, Babu Keithe! along NH-102, stretch Imphal-Moreh road.
The general strike has resulted in the closure of the Highway and all shops and services, with exemptions made only for medical services and religious activities.
The police have also implemented preventive measures to avert any untoward incidents.
The strike also affected Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, Wangkhem keithel, Yairipok keithel, Yairipok Thong.
Meira Paibis from various areas gathered at Thoubal- Yairipok Lamkhai and obstructed the road sitting in the highway demanding to hand over Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba and will leave the place.
A meira paibi, who joined in the protest, expressed dismay over both the state and central government action to rescue the two youths, who were abducted on September 27 by Kuki militants, along with a third youth, Ngangom Johnson.
She further warned the government of intensified agitation if the two youths in captivity were not rescued, questioning the government’s inaction even after five days had passed.
Meanwhile, All Kakching Clubs Coordinating Committee also organised a sit in protest supporting the 48-hour general strike of the JAC at Eludhou Naohallai Lampak in Kakching district.
Various leaders of CSOs also warned the state government to bear the consequences if the two Meitei hostages abducted by Kuki militants did not rescue safely. They also highlighted the significant loss of civilian lives due to attacks by Kuki militants in the ongoing crisis.
They also assured to support in any form of agitations launch by the JAC.
The protesters also held placards which read as centre and state should act immediately, prove rule of law in the state, release the two civilians individuals etc.
