Newmai News Network
Imphal | January 26
Normal life was affected in the Manipur valley on Thursday due to shutdowns by various armed rebel groups, boycotting India’s Republic Day.
Various armed rebel groups including the Coordination Committee (CorCom) of five major armed groups imposed total shutdowns as part of boycotting the celebration of Republic Day in Manipur.
Normal life, particularly in the valley districts, was affected as shops, major markets and business establishments in most areas remained closed, fearing backlash.
A marked reduction in traffic volumes witnessed on almost all the main roads including national highways as almost all the commercial vehicles including long and short distance passenger service vehicles stayed off the road for the day.
The streets across the state capital and other district headquarters in valley areas wore a deserted look as only few private vehicles plied on the day.
All the fuel pumps remained closed for the day in the valley districts. ATM booths of some banks also remained downed shutters.
In the streets near the market areas of Imphal, a few vegetable vendors were seen selling their wares in the evening, hours ahead of the end of the total shutdown at 6 pm.
They have, however, a dull business as very less number of customers came out to buy their wares even as security personnel were seen at every nook and corner and sensitive areas of the state capital.
However, no untoward incident related to the shutdowns was reported from any part of the state, the police said. Similar situation was reported from other valley districts of the state even though the strike gave no impact in the hill districts where shops and business establishments were opened as usual.
A large number of security forces including armed police personnel were seen deployed at every nook and corner of Imphal, particularly during the state level Republic Day celebration.
