Imphal: There have been major clashes between police and protestors in Manipur on day two of the 48-hour bandh called across the state.
The bandh had been called after Tehelka published photos which show a man being killed by security agencies in broad daylight.
The protests continue despite a clarification from the Chief Minister and the police. The victim is a former member of the PLA, an insurgent organisation.
Human Rights observers say the high handedness of security agencies stems from the misuse of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which allows the Army the right to carry out their operations without fear of arrest.
Though the use of this act has been withdrawn in the larger Imphal area, human rights observers insist that there is a culture of security agencies blatantly taking the law into their hands.
According to Human Rights Watch, "The situation in Manipur is nothing less than a breakdown in the rule of law."
Markets, shops and business establishments were closed while transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states were cancelled.
Attendance in government offices was almost nil. The general strike was total in both valley and hill districts, reports reaching here said.
The social organisation Apunba Lup had called the general strike in protest against the killing of Chungkham Sanjit (27) in an allegedly fake encounter on July 23 at Imphal Market complex by police commandos. The strike started on the night of August 2.
(With PTI inputs)