Imphal | June 14 : The indefinite state-wide general strike/bandh called by the joint action committee (JAC) against the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a local contractor, Yengkhom KrishnaDas, adversely affected the Thoubal district of Manipur as roads were blocked and all passenger vehicles stayed off road especially along the Indo-Burma road which passes through the district. However, the strike had little or no effect on any other districts of the state. Nevertheless, no violent related incidents were reported except for some strike supporters who burnt tyres on the road between Kakching and Wabagai in Thoubal district.
The kidnapping of local contractor, Y. KrishnaDas, Wednesday night by armed miscreants and subsequent murder, allegedly on Friday and his body being found at Lilong in Thoubal district stir heavy protest amongst the people. As per reports, a negotiated ransom of Rs. 25 lakh was also paid to the kidnappers. In protest, the JAC and family members called on the chief minister of Manipur Friday and laid down certain demands including an ex-gratia of Rs. 25 lakh, booking of the culprits under law and a befitting punishment. Following the incident, protestors blocked all roads in Thoubal district especially national highway (NH) – 39 and the Indo-Burma road Friday.
Continuing with their protest, protestors Saturday blocked the highways which adversely affected Kakching, Pallel and Moreh in Chandel district. Though no violent incidence was reported, bandh supporters set fire on the road between Wabagai and Kakching in Thoubal districts. A Maruti car was also reported to have been burnt down at Kakching bazaar by bandh supporters for allegedly disobeying the strike. Apart, no passenger vehicles were seen plying on the road. However, the strike had little or no impact on any other districts of the state as educational institutions, passenger vehicles and office goers were seen in their normal function peacefully.