Imphal: Normal life in Manipur was on Friday affected due to a 24-hour general strike called by a local committee to protest the killing of Manipur People’s Party (MPP) vice president Mani Sana even as MPP demanded immediate imposition of President’s rule in the state.
Markets, shops and business establishments were closed in view of the general strike called by the joint action committee (JAC) against the brutal killing of Sana on Wednesday last by two unidentified gunmen at Changangei area near Imphal airport, official sources said.
Vehicular traffic between Manipur and neighbouring states were affected because of the strike which began from 5 AM on Friday morning but it was normal between the state capital and district headquarters, the sources said.
The general strike was announced late last evening so the news did not reach all the district headquarters, sources said.
Several civil organisations strongly condemned the killing of Sana amid tight security deployment at the airport complex where he was gunned down, sources said.
Family sources said no individual or group had demanded money from Sana, who refused to give lift to two persons about two months ago since the persons were not known to him.
MPP general Secretary Inaocha Singh, demanding immediate imposition of president’s rule, said the state government had failed to protect the life of common citizens even at the tight security capital complex.
“Imphal is not the whole of Manipur,” an MPP spokesman said, adding that recent series of bomb blasts and killing of any person by gunmen anytime showed that Manipur was passing today through a turmoil period and that life was not secured.
President’s rule should be imposed to stop killing of persons every day by unidentified gunmen, MPP sources said.
Nagaland CM condemns killing of MPP leader
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has condemned the killing of Haobijam Manisana Singh, the vice president of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP).
Condemning the incident, Rio, who is also the Convenor of the North East Regional Parties Front (NERPF) said “the killing of Haobijam Manisana Singh is an attack on the democratic principles of the country and can only be carried out by the enemies of democracy.”
He also called upon the forces of justice to unite to combat the agents of violence and fear.
Rio also extended condolences on behalf of all members and affiliates of the NERPF, especially to the family members of the departed leader and to the MPP, who have lost a tall and respected leader.
Expressing solidarity to the MPP, the NERPF also appealed to all sections of the people and the concerned authorities to make efforts to bring the culprits to book.
Vice President of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP) Haobijam Manisana Singh was on Wednesday shot dead by some unidentified gunmen at Changangei area in Imphal west district of Manipur while he was travelling from his house at Thanga area in Bishenpur district to the party office in Imphal. (PTI)
