Strike paralyzes Manipur on India’s Independence Day
Imphal: Normal life in the disturbed Manipur state was severely disrupted today following an 18-hour general strike called to protest India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the strike, which began at 5:00 AM, was organized by ten armed groups, including the Coordination Committee (CorCom), a coalition of six major armed factions. The protest marks their opposition to Manipur’s forced merger with India in 1949.
The strike had a significant impact on daily life, particularly in the valley districts. Roads were deserted, with most shops, markets, and businesses closed. Traffic was minimal, and many commercial vehicles, including passenger transport, were off the roads. Fuel stations across the valley also remained shut.
Security measures were significantly heightened across the state, particularly in Imphal, where official Independence Day events were held. Additional armed police and security personnel were deployed at key strategic locations.
The general strike underscores the ongoing discontent in Manipur regarding its integration into the Indian Union, which was formalized in 1949. This forced integration is a sensitive issue that continues to shape the region’s political landscape and its complex relationship with New Delhi. The protest also highlights the region’s desire for a reexamination of its political future.
