20 buses damaged during strike in Manipur

Iboyaima Laithangbam
IMPHAL: Over 20 buses were damaged and four auto rickshaws torched by groups of youths on the second day of the 120-hour general strike that began on Thursday midnight in Manipur.
The strike was called to demand the release of five students detained under the National Security Act in connection with the killing of Professor Mohammad Islamuddin of the Manipur University on May 25.
Reports said over 20 buses plying on National Highway 39 that connects Manipur with the rest of the country were intercepted near Kangpokpi and damaged.
Police could not confirm whether the miscreants were supporters of the strike or tribal students enforcing an indefinite economic blockade along the two national highways demanding an upward revision of the reservation in admissions and appointments. Kangpopki is a tribal area.
Stranded Over 100 vehicles coming here from Assam or leaving Assam for Manipur and Meghalaya were stranded at Mao on the highway.
In the past, buses and other vehicles that did not carry commercial items were allowed to ply during economic blockade.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi announced in the Assembly on Thursday that there was no question of revising the quota for tribals.
Police reports said over 150 vehicles were stranded along NH 53, which connects Manipur with Assam through Jiribam.
Vegetables scarce All shops remained closed in other valley districts too due to the strike. Potatoes, onions, lentils and vegetables were scarce in the markets. They were sold in the black market in certain areas at exorbitant prices.
Though educational institutions functioned, the attendance was thin.