Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation has called 42 hours General Strike and it got started from the midnight of 30th March. Most of the Muslim crowded areas in Manipur are affected due to this strike. There are also reports of clashes between strike supporters and police. In various parts, police have used mock bombs and also, fired tear gas shell to disperse them.
MMWO is demanding for the establishment of a separate directorate for the minorities. The group also wants the government to start an enquiry of schemes under MOBC Department from 2010 to 2017. MMWO stated that the MOBC has violated rights to PDS items of the minorities.
This general strike has started from midnight of March 30, 2018 and it will be continue till 6 pm of April 1. There were several strike supporters at Khurai Heigrumakhong, Yairipok, Khabeisoi, Khsetrigao, Hatta Minuthong, Thoubal Moijing, Mina Bazar, Lilong Bazar, Sora, Keirao Makting and Mayang Imphal Bengoon. They started stopping vehicles and commuters to block the roads.
As per reports, clashes between supporters and the police personnel first broke out at Khabeisoi, Keirao Makting, Khurai Heigrumakhong. Here, supporters have also pelted stones at the police. As a response to this, police has fired tear gas and also used mock bombs. More police personnel were deployed in these areas. Police have tried to disperse the protestors only. There are no reports of any casualty. However, some protestors have got minor injuries. The situation in more areas is now under control of the police.
On another side of this story, there is a report of destroying one school bus by these supporters of a general strike. School van of Brighter Academy in New Checkon, bearing registration number MN01X2383 was destroyed by supporters. School van driver Soubam Superman has told the press that 30 general strike supporters attacked his van pelting stones. The van was carrying students and he told them that there are students in the van. But, protestors of the general strike paid no attention and destroyed the van.
All Manipur School Student’s Transporter Association has condemned this incident of destroying school van on the name of general strike. MSSTA has also urged them to avoid such misconducts and spreading fear among young children. MMWO should make it clear to their supporters that school vehicles are not restricted in case of general strike.