Imphal, Oct 16 (ANI): Life came to a halt in Manipur on Thursday in the wake of an 18- hour general strike called by separatists. The strike was called by separatist factions to protest the Manipur Merger Agreement which paved the way for the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union. This agreement was signed on September 21, 1949 between the then king of Manipur, Bodhachandra Singh and the Indian dominion after independence from British rule. All roads in Imphal including national and state highways as well as public places like markets wore a deserted look. Home Minister of Manipur, G Gaikhangam said that such strikes only meant loss for the already poor state. Schools, colleges, movie theatres, petrol pumps and other private institutions remained shut while attendance in government offices was poor. Residents majorly stayed indoors. However, emergency services and flights remained unaffected and no untoward incidents were reported.
