IMPHAL: Manipur was strike-bound on Tuesday and an economic blockade has also begun along National Highways 39 and 53, lifelines of this mountainous State. All goods-laden trucks have been stranded beyond the border of Manipur.

Protest against killing

Apunba Lup, an apex body of civil organisations, called a 24- hour general strike from 6 a.m. in protest against the May 9 killing of a Tangkhul tribal by police commandos in Bishnupur district on the charge that she was a member of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup. Her associates and the proscribed outfit have denied the police allegation.

Demand for ex-gratia

The Tangkhul groups are demanding adequate ex gratia to the victim's kin and punishment to the commandos.

Apunba Lup has been seeking the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, which, it says, gives untrammelled powers to the security forces in dealing with militants. Another 24-hour strike was called from 6 p.m. by candidates, who were declared successful at a police recruitment rally. They allege that letters of appointment as constables are being given at random and demand that appointments be made on the basis of the merit list.

The All-Tribal Students Association Manipur (ATSAM) imposed the economic blockade from midnight on Monday night in protest against the Manipur Government backing out of an agreement.

Schools sans teachers

The ATSAM spokesman told The Hindu that for years most schools in tribal areas had been functioning without science and mathematics teachers. Following protests by the association an agreement was reached by which teachers would be engaged on a contract basis to meet immediate needs and locals given preference in appointments. However, the locals were ignored in the postings, the spokesman alleged.

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