Bandh cripples Imphal; fresh firing in 2 distts

A shutdown called seeking rescue of two missing Meitei teenagers affected normal life in Imphal in the strife-torn Manipur with most educational institutions, banks, commercial establishments and private offices remaining shut.

- Utpal Parashar

The shutdown, called by a joint action committee of residents seeking rescue of the two teenagers missing since Sunday, was initially scheduled to be held from 4am to 1pm on Friday.

The committee, however, decided to extend it till 1pm on Saturday, accusing the state government of failing to trace the two.

Nineteen-year-old N Anthony and 16-year-old M Avinash of Lam- sang Akham Awang Leikai in Imphal West district went missing when they had gone to attend a meeting at Awang Sekmai in the district on November 5.

In view of the shutdown, security was enhanced at several locations, officials said.