Manipur News: Normal life took a hit for the people of Imphal Valley in Manipur after a coordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies called for a 24-hour strike, reported PTI. Markets and business establishments remained shut in almost all localities, the report added. Apart from this, public transportation was also shut and only a few private vehicles were seen moving on the roads. According to the news agency, schools remained closed in the area after the strike began at midnight. 


The development comes after ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, and continued sporadically in the northeastern state over the last three months. It has claimed at least 160 lives, according to official data, as per PTI.


L Binod, the committee’s convenor said that the strike was not meant to add to the hardships of the people but to "pressure the government", reported PTI. On Friday, Manipur Cabinet recommended Governor Anusuiya Uikey to convene a session of the assembly on August 21. The previous assembly session was held in March.  Among others, the Congress had urged Governor Uikey to convene an emergency session of the assembly to discuss the "ongoing unprecedented turmoil" in the state.


"The assembly is the most appropriate forum to discuss the situation and get suggestions on how to restore peace in the state rocked by ethnic strife since early May," the state's five Congress MLAs said in a letter to the governor last month, as quoted by PTI.


Meanwhile, BJP MLA P Haokip last week said, "The way forward, as I see it, is for the Union government to give political and administrative recognition to the ethnic separation, where the state of Manipur is reorganised as three Union territories", according to PTI.


The state is still under a curfew following a recent flare-up of hostilities between two warring communities – Meties and Kuki-Zomis after an announcement of a mass burial of tribals who were killed in the ongoing race riots.


ALSO READ | 3 Dead, Houses Set Ablaze In Fresh Outbreak Of Violence In Strife-Torn Manipur


Subscribe And Follow ABP Live On Telegram: https://t.me/officialabplive