48 hr general strike in Manipur against fake encounter killing

Naked women protestors shout slogans against the alleged rape, torture and murder of Thangjam Manorama by paramilitary soldiers in Imphal, capital of northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Thursday, July 15, 2004.

IMPHAL – Normal life in Manipur was disrupted on Monday by a 48-hour general strike called by a social organisation in protest against the killing of a youth in an alleged fake encounter.

An organization Apunb Lup (A L) called for the general strike after a section of the media called the encounter as fake and published the pictures.

According to official sources the youth identified as Ch Sanjit (27) was a militant and killed in an encounter with police commandos on July 23 at Imphal market complex.

But Apunb Lup and other social organizations claimed that, Sanjit was innocent and killed in a fake encounter.

Markets, shops and business establishments remained closed in the state due to the strike.

Transportation services in Manipur and neighboring states have also been affected by the strike.

According to sources, government offices and banks witnessed very poor attendance. The strike is getting good response in both the valley and the hill districts.

Meanwhile, condemning the alleged fake encounter, the United Committee of Manipur and several other outfits have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh. The organization also alleged that Ibobi Singh is indulging in the state sponsored terrorism. (ANI)

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