Imphal: Normal life in Manipur was paralysed due to the 24-hour strike called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the brutal murder of social activist Athuan Abonmai.
Athuan Abonmai, a former president of Zeliangrong Baudi, was killed by suspected National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) cadres on September 22 while he had gone to attend a function at Tamenglong where Chief Minister N Biren Singh was interacting with people of the area.
The JAC said talks with the Chief Minister and other officials were held but the government has not yet fulfilled its demand of initiating a probe against the DC and SP of Tamenglong district as Abonmai was abducted before large numbers of security personnel.
The strike that began at midnight will conclude on Monday midnight. A large number of civil society organisations, students’ bodies, political parties have supported the strike.
Streets have been blocked by the supporters with burning tyres and barricades. All shops and business establishments have been closed down. All inter and intra-state passenger services have also been cancelled.
Abonmai had reportedly revealed instances of extortion
by NSCN (IM) during a public event and it is suspected that he could have been targeted by NSCN (IM), which is currently in talks with the Centre.
The NIA is investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, Congress cancelled all meetings scheduled for Monday to support the strike. MPCC spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei said Jairam Ramesh, AICC in-charge (Manipur) Bhakta Charan Das and Congress leaders have decided to suspend all activities that were to be held on Monday.
It has condemned the killing and demanded a full investigation.
