Normal life hits in Manipur with the 24 hour strike

Guwahati: The 24 hour general strike in Manipur called by a conglomerate of 66 organizations has hit the normal life. The strike has been called on Wednesday in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

The demonstration are being held at different places in the state capital Imphal and also in Thoubal and Lilong towns in the district of Thoubal. It has also been observed in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. The strike which has been called by 66 organizations headed by Manipur People Against Citizenship Amendment Bill demanding to withdraw the bill from the midnight of Wednesday demanded withdrawal of the said bill.

The educational institutes and commercial establishments remained closed throughout the day on Thursday in many districts and vehicles were off the roads to support the strike.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim nationals from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India.

The Bill has triggered protests across the North Eastern region. The 66 organisations of the MPACAB include All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), United Committee Manipur (UCM), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation. Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday had appealed to the people not to panic over the Bill. "The apprehensions of the people need to be removed first and the Centre will be urged not to let the bill impact.

It may also be mentioned that the Manipur Government is all set to give pressure for inclusion of a clause that would exempt Manipur and NE from the purview of CAB, the students’ bodies and civil society representatives are protesting against the passing of the Bill at any cost.

A large number of students and civil representatives with placards and banner opposing the Bill today staged the protest.

Also Read: Manipur News