Imphal, Manipur, December 28 (HBTV): The 24-hour general strike called by the Joint Action Committee against the arrest of six village volunteers and the killing of one person affected normal life in five districts of Imphal valley. 

The total shutdown commenced from 6:00 pm on Friday evening and will conclude on 6:00 pm of Saturday evening.   

Six village volunteers were arrested and one killed during an encounter with police at Salungpham in Thoubal district earlier this month on December 14.

Police said those arrested and killed were cadres of the banned militant outfit PREPAK and were involved in extortion. However, locals alleged they were village volunteers and demanded they be released immediately. A large cache of arms and ammunitions including those looted from police armories were seized from their possession. 

Markets and business establishment were closed and public transportation vehicles kept off roads. A few private vehicles were seen plying.

Strike supporters at Lamphel Sanakeithel in Imphal West district came out on the streets and burned tyres in the streets.

In Bishnupur district, supporters enforcing the strike damaged the windshields of vehicles found commuting.

The shutdown is being supported by the students’ and women's wing of the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity, a conglomeration of several civil bodies based in Imphal valley.