By Bhupen Goswami (PNI)

Guwahati : The agitation against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (CAB) threw normal life out of gear in Manipur, particularly in the State capital here today.The agitation which was started at 5 am today is scheduled to conclude at 5 pm tomorrow. The programme was called by a people’s convention held under the aegis of People’s Alliance Manipur. The agitation was effective in the greater Imphal area and other districts as supporters came out in large numbers to join the movement against CAB. Greater Imphal area wore a deserted look as all forms of transport were suspended for the day. Most private offices, besides educational institutions, shops, business establishments and markets, remained closed. The government offices at Secretariat was open but with less attendance.

Newmai News adds: Congress legislators from Manipur camping in New Delhi are planning to stage a protest demonstration against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) on the streets in the national capital on Tuesday. The legislators led by former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and recently appointed Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam are lobbying MPs of Rajya Sabha to oppose the CAB if it is tabled in the Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday, the leaders said. The delegation has already submitted memorandums to President of India, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister urging them to reconsider the passage of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, Internet services have been banned in Manipur and section 144 have been imposed in view of the protests against the situation arising out of intense protest launched by various Civil Society Organisations against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in both Imphal East and West of Manipur on Tuesday. Incidents of violence have made gathered headlines in Manipur as fresh protests broke out against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that is to be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 was listed for business today at Rajya Sabha and Government in all likelihood would try to pass it by tomorrow while the Congress will lead a strong opposition to it. Tomorrow is the last day for the Rajya Sabha. Earlier on Monday, more than hundred women vendors from the Ima Market in Manipur staged protest against the Central government’s move to pass the much debated Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha. Police also resort to lathi-charge to disperse the protesters. More than ten women were injured during the incident and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu and Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh have voiced their opposition against the bill and urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to ensure it was not passed in Rajya Sabha.