Manipur Businesses Closed; Women Stage Mourning Protest

By Iboyaima Laithangbam

Imphal, May 16 : The Imphal city and other markets nearby were closed and women vendors staged a sit-in on Saturday condemning the Union government's giving the go-ahead signal to Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), who is keen on visiting his ancestral village in Manipur. All shops and business establishments were also closed down.

In a mourning dress, the women also displayed handbills condemning his proposed visit.

Although the United Committee Manipur called off a counter-blockade against the tribal areas of Manipur from Saturday, several women intercepted trucks in Thoubal district to disgorge rice and other consumer items being transported to the tribal areas.

The police intensified patrolling. Security was beefed up at the Mao Gate adjacent to Nagaland. This followed reports in some local newspapers that there might be a clandestine plan to allow Mr. Muivah to visit Manipur as the State forces at Mao Gate have been replaced by the CRPF.

Meanwhile, a hand grenade exploded in a house at Keikhu in Imphal district. However, no one was injured.