Imphal. May 15 NNN : At least 8 persons who are supporters of the 72 hour general strike called by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) have been detained by police during the last 24 hours at Churachandpur, according to a police source.
The superintendent of police, Churachandpur district said over the phone that police have arrested and detained some supporters of the 72 hour general strike called by the KSDC.
Three persons were reportedly arrested on the night of May 14 and some more were arrested today from Malveng and Bijang areas in Churachandpur town. Now there are eight general strike supporters under the custody of Churachandpur police.
The 72 hours general strike was called by the KSDC and it came into effect from 6:00 pm of May 12 and came to an end at 6:00 pm today from which an economic blockade will be enforced till 6:00 pm of May 19. The KSDC is demanding a separate Kuki state from the government of India.
Meanwhile, the general strike is reported to be very effective in Moreh town where all the four international gates nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4 were reportedly blocked by supporters of the general strike.
The National Highway 102 connecting Imphal to Moreh was blocked at five different places by supporters of the general strike.
It is also reported that approximately 50 – 100 goods carrying trucks are still stranded at National Highway No. 2 at Senapati, Lairouching and other places along this highway and some at Jiribam due to the general strike.
Inter state and inter district passenger buses were also off the road due to the 72 hour general strike The Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) may suspend the ongoing agitation immediately. However, it is yet to confirm from the concern authority in this regard.
Well placed sources said the KSDC is likely to suspend the economic blockade which began today from 6 pm demanding a separate state for the Kukis. The leaders of the Kuki State Demand Committee may announce its decision in this connection on Wednesday afternoon.
Due to the fervent appeals from various corners, the KSDC has reviewed its decision, said the sources.
It is worth mentioning that the current agitation in the forms of bandh and economic blockade has been called from 6 pm of May 12 to 6 pm of May 15 in Kuki dominated areas and followed immediately by economic blockade and banning of government offices and activities from 6 pm of May 15 to 6 pm of May 19 enforced by Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) demanding for the creation of a Kuki state.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/eight-strike-supporters-held/
