Anti-bill strike paralyses normal life in Manipur

IMPHAL: A 24-hour strike on Thursday called by 72 civil organisations in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, paralysed normal life across Manipur, police said.
The organisations said the strike was called to send a message to the Centre not to pass the legislation in the Rajya Sabha.
Shops, business establishments and all educational institutions remained closed in Manipur.
Activists and students took to the streets and blocked highways to make sure the strike was being observed.
They laid bamboo barricades and burned tyres on the roads, according to police sources.
Vehicles did not ply on the two national highways connecting the state with Assam and Nagaland. Other major roads of the state also wore a deserted look.
Demonstrations were held at various places in the state capital, Thoubal and Lilong towns in Thoubal district and the headquarter towns of districts such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, officials said.
A large number of women also participated in the protest. Students demonstrated in front of the Manipur University campus. Educational institutes and commercial establishments remained closed in many districts, the officials said.
The strike was called from Wednesday midnight by the recently-formed Manipur People Against Citizenship Amendment Bill. The group has been demanding the withdrawal of the bill. (Agencies)