Manipur shutdown continues

The 38-hour shutdown continued to paralyse normal life across Manipur for the second day on Saturday.

The shutdown, which began at 4 a.m. on Friday, has been called by activists pressing for presidential assent to three anti-migrant Bills already passed by the Manipur Assembly. It will end at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Hundreds of shutdown supporters burned tyres and dumped logs and boulders on roads to prevent movement of vehicles. They also shouted slogans in support of their demands and held sit-ins at several places.

All shops, markets, business centres, government offices and educational institutes were closed. The roads wore a deserted look.

The latest shutdown comes shortly after the 48-hour general strike the hill districts of the State observed in protest against the three Bills they have termed as “anti-tribal” legislations.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said on Saturday that he was awaiting an appointment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a crucial meeting on the three Bills.

“I have sought appointment with both to discuss the three Bills that have been passed by the Manipur Assembly on August 31, 2015. There is no response from their offices so far,” Mr. Singh said. - IANS