Manipur closed to mourn merger with Indian Union

Imphal town wore a deserted look as people remained indoors, reports said.

Three underground organisations — the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Revolutionary People’s Front (the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Manipur’s old name) — had for the first time jointly called for a `general strike’ today in protest against the State’s merger with the Union and observe October 15 every year as `National Black Day.’

Official sources said all long-distance bus services run by the Manipur State Road TransportCorporation and private bus owners were cancelled in view of the general strike.

Sources, however, said the cancellation of Indian Airlines services in the Imphal-Guwahati-Calcutta sector were due to `operational reasons’ and services would resume tomorrow.

Attendance in government offices was reported to be `very thin’ in spite of the Government instructing people to attend offices today.

The Manipur People’s Party (MPP), the largest regional political party in the State, observes October 15 every year as `gloomy day’ and organised a function yesterday in this connection.

“The main reasons for the MPP observing gloomy day were to enable Manipur to keep abreast of other states in terms of development, for the advent of genuine federalism and the devolution of more powers to the states,” said MPP joint secretary O Joychandra.

Speaking at the function yesterday, MPP President O Joy Singh said in the 50 years of Indian Independence, the territory of the State had shrunk while its economy was in poorshape.

He said there has also been discontentment among people because of rampant violations of human rights by security forces, such as what he termed “enforced disappearance of arrested youths”, rape and molestation of women.

Other speakers at the function, at which former chief minister R K Ranbir Singh was chief guest, included well-known advocates, university teachers and social workers.

The All Manipur Students Union the biggest student body in the State, also observes, `Eclipse Week’ (October 10 to 15) every year, during which they organise rallies, discussions on Manipur’s merger with the Union, among other activities.