Imphal, Sep 19 : Normal life was completely disrupted in Manipur due to a 48 hour general strike which began from Monday midnight.
The strike was called to demand unconditional release of five people who were arrested by Manipur Police with arms. Various organisations said these five people were village defence volunteers who were defending their village from attack from another ethnic group due to the ongoing clashes between two ethnic groups in the state.
People blocked roads using tyre, wood and clashes were reported from most parts of the stae between protestors and police. The protestors said people were compelled to defend themselves as the security personnel failed to protect the innocent civilians and so far over 170 people have died, 33 missing, 60000 people displaced and over 4100 houses completely burnt after violence started at Churachandpur district on May 3 last.
The protestors said if the villagers were arrested for defending their villages then the entire community would be wiped out by the other warring group as they were armed with sophisticated weapons .
Massive security arrangements were taken up and police removed all the blockades. All business, educational establishments were, however, closed down.
