Manipur is under siege as a result of general strikes imposed by the United Naga Council and the Joint Committee one the Inner Line Permit System.
The UNC is demanding withdrawal of State forces from Ukhrul district and lifting of the prohibitory orders imposed there.
The Joint Committee had imposed a wildcat strike from Friday midnight protesting against the alleged police excesses while dispersing students, who were demanding the reintroduction of the Inner Line Permit, which was lifted from the State on November 18, 1950.
It is in force in three states of the northeast – Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
All educational institutions are closed till Monday as a precautionary measure. Shops and commercial establishments also were closed.
There were some scuffles with women vendors in Imphal town when police tried to disperse them. Teargas canisters were fired.
Reports of such agitations are reported from the Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.
However, the five hill districts are not affected by the campaign for the Inner Line Permit.
The general strike for 48 hours called by the United Naga Council has affected two highways, which are the lifelines of Manipur.
Long running and inter-State buses and trucks are off the road.
The west district Superintendent of Police R.K.Jhalajit has informed the heads of government departments that since there is an acute shortage of police personnel every office cannot be guarded. Activists demanding reintroduction of the Inner Line Permit system have made several attempts to torch government offices during the ongoing agitation.
The SP asked officials to put employees on alert. At least six employees should be on office premises round the clock to ward off arsonists.
Police stations are open round the clock to attend to emergency calls. Police patrolling has been intensified and all the areas will be covered.
On Saturday, effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh were burned in public places. Activists blocked roads by burning tyres and placing logs.
Several vehicles which had ventured out during the 18-hour wild cat strike were damaged.