IMPHAL, Aug 16: Normal life in the valley areas of Manipur was affected by total shutdowns imposed by various armed rebel groups who boycotted the celebration of Indian Independence Day.
Independence Day was, however, celebrated at almost all the district headquarters and sub-divisional headquarters amid tight security measures.
Various rebel groups imposed the total shutdowns separately while calling for boycotts to the celebration of the Independence Day.
One of the strike-call given by Coordination Committee (CorCom) of five major rebel groups commenced from 1 am ended in the evening, at 6:30 pm
No untoward incident related to the total shutdown was reported from any part of the State, police said.
However, normal life was severely hit owing to the shutdown strikes in the valley areas.
Streets in Imphal wore a deserted look as all kinds of public transports and private vehicles stayed off the roads.
Business activities, particularly in Imphal, were brought to a grinding halt for the day as the shutdowns coincided with national holiday.
However, a large number of security force personnel were detailed across Imphal to assist the police in maintaining law and order, particularly for peaceful conduct of the celebration.
Despite the presence of the police and security personnel, only a few vehicles, mostly related to essential services and Government officials, were seen moving on the streets in the State capital.
Apart from CorCom, the conglomerate of five major armed groups of the State and other rebel groups, various underground groups imposed the total shutdown separately while asking the people to stay away from participating in the celebration of Independence Day in the State. (NNN)
