Newmai News Network
Imphal: Normal life in strife-torn Manipur was severely affected on Friday due to the two-day statewide ‘public curfew’ in protest against the alleged government’s negligence on the crisis unfolding in Manipur.
A public convention hosted by Thoubal and Kakching District Apunba Lup (TAKDAL) in Thoubal district headquarters on Thursday had resolved to impose the two-day statewide public curfew commencing Friday while alleging that both the Centre and the state government neglected the crisis unfolding in the state even after four months since the violence broke out on May 3 last.
Owing to the ‘public curfew’, a sharp reduction in the traffic volume was reported across the valley districts with almost all kinds of commercial vehicles staying off the road during the day.
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Only a few private vehicles plied on the road in Imphal too. The streets in Imphal look deserted with only a few vehicles belonging to security forces and emergency services operating.
All markets and other business establishments also remained down their shutters.
‘Public curfew’ supporters were seen coming out on the main roads at various parts of the valley districts and blocking the roads by piling logs, and stones and burning things.
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The agitators came out in large numbers at various places along the NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh section) to block the road. It disrupted the movement of security forces.
Convoys of RAF personnel rushing to Pallel in Kakching where fresh violence was reported today had to return midway due to the road blockades at various places, particularly in Thoubal district where the road was totally blocked.
In the Kyamgei area, a large number of people came out on the street along the highway and burnt the effigies of the Prime Minister, the Union Home minister, the Manipur chief minister and the state BJP president accusing them of doing nothing to contain the violence that has been going on in the state since May 3.
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Meanwhile, thin attendance was reported in almost all the government offices and establishments.
Manipur Home Department has appealed to all sections of the general public including public functionaries to continue performing normal activities and functions during the statewide curfew announced by the TAKDAL on September 8 and 9 supported by other civil society organizations.
It appealed to refrain themselves from being involved in activities that may create mistrust and misunderstanding or aggravate the prevailing law and order crisis in the state.
The appeal was made in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state of Manipur and the effective maintenance of the same.
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The department further appealed to TAKDAL to withdraw their ‘curfew’ call in the public interest, and discuss issues with the government of Manipur while urging all general public and transport service providers to continue normal movements and activities as usual.
All general public including public functionaries have been requested to support the steps taken up by the state government towards bringing normalcy in the state, the appeal note of the Home Department stated.
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