Strike against Assam Rifles atrocities affects border trade, life in Manipur

Imphal:A 12-hour general strike and an indefinite highway blockade affected life in the state on Wednes-day.The strike and blockade had been called by various organisations of the state to protest against harassment and stopping of people’s movement imposed by Assam Rifles on the national highway.
Assam Rifles (AR)does not allow movement of people after 1800 hrs at Manipur national highways and every passenger including government officials and even minister, MLAs have to get down and walk on their foot when they pass through Assam Rifles post on the national highway.
Due to the indefinite blockade, international border between India and Myanmar remained affec-ted. No vehicles plied on national highway No 102 connecting Imphal to the border town of Moreh. The busy border town of Mani-pur and Tamu of Myanmar remained deserted due to the stir.
United Committee Mani-pur (UCM) imposed a 12-hrs State-wide general strike which began at 0500 hrs, which affected the normal life. All inter-state and intra-state passenger services were cancelled. Educational institutes also remained closed. Banking institutes, business esta-blishments were closed down too. No untoward incident has been reported so far.
The organisations also called for removal of 24 AR and its Commanding Officer Colonel Goswami who force pregnant women, patients fighting for their lives to be pulled down and walk and wait for hours to pass through Assam Rifles check post.(PTI)