Normal life in Manipur was partially disrupted today as various trade unions joined a nationwide general strike in protest against the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies.
The stoppage saw support from the Manipur Government Services’ Federation, State Pensioners’ Union, petroleum tanker drivers, medical sales representatives, and left-leaning political groups. Most shops and intrastate passenger services remained closed, although educational institutions continued to function, and no untoward incidents were reported.
Protesting employees of the All Manipur Banking Association held sit-in demonstrations in front of Imphal Urban Co‑operative Bank in solidarity with the strike. The unions primarily oppose newly implemented labour codes and anti-farmer legislation, demanding the repeal of four labour codes, scrapping of the New Pension Scheme with a return to the Old Pension Scheme, and expansion of employment guarantees—200 days under MGNREGA in rural areas and 100 days in urban zones.
