Manipuris pay homage to agitationists

IMPHAL, JULY 18. More than 30,000 people, including women and children from across the State, converged here to pay floral tributes to the 15 persons killed in police action during the anti-ceasefire agitation a month ago, even as normal life was hit across the State in a 24- hour general strike by the Manipur Students Federation, official sources said.

Thousands of slogan-shouting people from Sagolband, Singjamei, Wangkhei-Khurai and Chingmeirong marched to Kekrupat on the banks of Imphal river where the victims were cremated.

Life in the State's five hill districts was brought to a standstill by another 13-hour bandh, called by the underground Kuki Defence Force.

Security measures were stepped up in view of the four- day `civil disobedience movement' starting tomorrow and a 24-hour general strike from the midnight of July 24 in protest against the ceasefire extension, official sources said.

Bizzare gesture

A 75-year-old-man sliced one of his fingers after laying a wreath and lighting candles, while paying homage on the banks of the Imphal river.

- PTI

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