The 48-hour general strike imposed across Manipur has been shortened to 24 hours after considering the ongoing Class X and XII examinations and the general situation in the state.
The general strike was imposed by 12 different CSOs and a student body, decrying the arrest of three cadres of Pambei led UNLF including its self-styled army-in-chief. They are also demanding the immediate unconditional release of the three cadres.
A joint release issued and signed by FOCS, IPOM, MWF, UMO, MKNM, MPWO, WMO, YKL, Anouba Senmmitlon and a student body mentioned that the ongoing 48-hour general strike was shortened to 24 hours after considering the ongoing class X and XII examinations.
It appealed to hold demonstrations in the form of sit-in-protest, mass rally, torch rally in a democratic manner, demanding unconditional release of the three cadres of the underground outfit.
In the official Facebook page of FOCS, a press note was uploaded on Thursday night mentioning that the 48-hour general strike imposed across the state has been suspended after considering the ongoing class X and XII examination. However, when the undersigned in the press note was contacted, he told the Imphal Free Press that there was no suspension of the general strike.
Meanwhile, the Class X and HSLC examination was conducted smoothly amid the confusion.
While the general public remained unclear on whether the general strike was lifted or not due to conflicting news reports, market vendors of Keishamthong were seen working normally.
The Khwairamband Ima market was partially occupied by the women vendors; some schools were seen closed while some were seen opened. Government offices, shops at Paona and Thangal bazaar were seen closed, while lesser numbers of transportation were noticed compared to normal days.
However, bandh supporters at the Moirang area allegedly vandalised some vehicles for not cooperating with the 48-hour general strike.
Before the shortening of the strike was announced, FOCS president had earlier stated that Right to Life is more important than Right to Education, while examinations can be appeared many times.
Thoubal.
People of Thoubal district also supported the general strike called by 13 different organisations including FOCS condemning the arrest of three Pambei led UNLF cadres by NIA on Wednesday.
Markets of the district bore deserted looks, shops remained closed and only few government employees were present at work. Meira paibis protested by blocking roads at different areas of the district including Thoubal, Wangjing, Heirok Lamkhai and Yairipok.
People of Kakching district also blocked roads at different areas of the district in support of the general strike.
