IMPHAL, Dec 11: Markets across Manipur valley including Kwaramband Keithel, the main business hub of the state, observed a shutdown here in response to a cease work call by a committee formed in connection with the killing of 13 youths in Tengnoupal district on December 4.
The Mangani Leihul ritual of the 13 deceased youths who were murdered together at a place between Leithao and Moltham villages of Tengnoupal district on December 4 last was performed together at Tarongthel of Andro in Imphal East district today where their last rites were held together on the next day (December 5).
Apart from families and relatives of the deceased, the ritual ceremony was attended by thousands of people from across the valley districts.
Leaders and representatives of various organisations also took part in offering floral tributes to the departed souls after performing the religious rituals.
The event was held under the aegis of Athouba 13 Ningshing Thouram Committee, a body formed by the family members of the 13 deceased after they decided to perform the customary rites of the 13 souls together.
While announcing the holding of the Mangani Leihul together, the committee had called to cease all works of the day by the people and take part in the ritual ceremony.
In response to the call without any provocation, almost all the major markets across the valley districts observed the shutdown while all shops and other business establishments remained closed for the day.
The vendors of the Khwairamband Keithel including the three iconic all-women-run markets suspended their business of the day while almost all shops and business centres in and around the markets downed their shutters in response to the call.
The busy streets in the capital city also deserted as the shops and other business establishments in Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar also remained closed for the day. (NNN)
