Date:05/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/05/stories/2006030502931000.htm

National

Government office set ablaze by demonstrators

Imphal: Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators during the 18-hour general strike called in Manipur on Saturday to protest the alleged molestation of a woman in police custody.

Strike supporters set ablaze a community development block office at Langmeidong, about 45 km southeast of here in Thoubal district. The government office was destroyed in the fire, officials said. Protesters also burnt question papers of Class XII examinations of the Manipur Higher Secondary Council at many places, they said.

Markets, shops and business establishments were closed in Imphal district and transport services between Manipur and neighbouring States and within the State were cancelled.

Attendance in government offices was thin in spite of a government order warning of disciplinary action against those not reporting for duty. — PTI