New Delhi (Agency): Life in Manipur’s Imphal Valley came to a standstill on Saturday as a 24-hour general strike was called by the co-ordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies in the region. The strike paralyzed daily activities, with markets and business establishments shutting down across most localities. Public transport was absent from the roads, and only a few private cars were seen. Schools also had to remain closed.
The strike, which began at midnight, was called to demand an emergency assembly session to discuss various pressing issues. Interestingly, the hill districts have largely remained unaffected by the strike.
L Binod, the convenor of the committee responsible for the strike, earlier stated that the action was not meant to “add to the hardships of the people,” but rather to “pressure the government.”
The demand for the assembly session comes at a time when Manipur is dealing with ethnic violence that has persisted for the last three months. This violence has tragically claimed over 160 lives. Recently, hostilities flared up between the two warring communities – the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis – after the public announcement of a mass burial for the tribal victims of the ongoing race riots.
The tensions between the communities also grew after talks were restarted between former Kuki militant organizations and the central government. Meiteis, making up about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population, mostly inhabit the Imphal Valley, while tribals such as Nagas and Kukis constitute just over 40 per cent and live in the hill districts.
In response to the strike and ongoing tensions, the Manipur Cabinet recommended Governor Anusuiya Uikey to convene a session of the assembly, scheduled for August 21. The last assembly session was held in March.
The general strike is a crucial sign of the unrest and dissatisfaction among the citizens of Imphal Valley. The demand for an emergency assembly session underscores the urgent need for political intervention and dialogue to address the underlying issues causing the violence.
As Manipur continues to be bound by curfew, the situation in the state remains delicate and unpredictable. The general strike is a manifestation of the community’s collective voice demanding action and attention from the government. The upcoming assembly session will be a critical platform to discuss solutions and strive for peace and unity in a region that has been torn apart by ethnic strife.