Bharat bandh affects normal life in Manipur

Imphal Sep 10 : The 'Bharat bandh' against the rising fuel prices called by the Congress and the Left parties severely affected normal life in Manipur, as all educational institutes were closed and attendance in offices was very thin.

Congress MLA Mirabai said: "We are protesting against the soaring prices of petrol, diesel and essential commodities. The government should take up steps to bring down the prices".

P. Saratchandra, a Congressman said: "The BJP says that it loves the poor sections of people. But it is escalating the prices. Police are trying to disperse us saying that it is illegal to hold strike. But the NDA government is hitting the people below the belt".

Former Chief Minister and now opposition leader Okram Ibobi led a rally of the party MLAs and members in Imphal. All markets in the city and many other districts were shut.

All commercial vehicles were off the road, men and women came out at several places to burn tyres and block all kinds of vehicular movements.

There were heated face offs between police and the Congress members at several places.

People coming from other parts of the country were stranded in the mountainous stations along the highways since the buses could not enter the city. Many trucks bringing fuel and essential commodities were also stranded.