Imphal, Dec 1 (ANI): A three day shutdown call given by the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party has crippled normal life in Manipur since Tuesday.
The outfit had called the strike in protest against security forces killing one of its cadres in an alleged encounter.
Most business establishments and banks, including the main markets of Poana and Thangal in Imphal, are closed. Likewise, educational institutions are not functioning.
H Joy Singh, a resident of Imphal, criticized such frequent shutdowns saying daily wage earners are the worst hit since they are deprived of their means of subsistence.
"Such shutdowns have created a big problem, particularly for those who are daily wage earners, since their means of daily bread is deprived. Instead of a shutdown, if they (Kangleipak Communist Party) could use some other way to protest, it doesn't affect us. But in Manipur, since 1982, people have been resorting to shutdowns or strikes and make a fool out of us, as they say that this would solve the problem. They should think of common people, and, they should change their attitude and means," said Singh.
Similar views were expressed by some daily wage earners who lamented of being unsure about their next meal.
"We are earning our livelihood and such kind of shutdown or a strike makes it difficult for us to work. Due to the shutdown, it is getting difficult for us to earn a living and having a square meal a day," said Alauddin, a rickshaw driver.
While normal life was upset, police was busy ensuring fool-proof security for the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi from December 3.
Police were seen checking identity cards of people at key points in the city.
So far, 12 persons have been detained and are being interrogated.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Commando), Imphal West, S Ibomcha Singh said besides extensive combing operations, the authenticity of people residing in rented accommodation and hotels is being verified.
"In connection with the visit of our Prime Minister and Chairperson, UPA, Sonia Gandhi, we have been conducting combing operation and prompt search from yesterday. Yesterday, we had done at Paona Road, now we have been conducting at MG Avenue. We also searched all hotels and tall buildings and we will continue this unless and until all the VIPs leave Imphal," said Ibomcha.
During their visit on December 3, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi are expected to inaugurate the new capital project consisting of the Legislative Assembly, Civil Secretariat and High Court complex. (ANI)
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