An Independence Day boycott call given by insurgent groups in Manipur has added to the headaches of the security forces struggling to deal with an agitation demanding the lifting of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the state.
The 32 organisations spearheading the stir against AFSPA have separately called a 14-hour Manipur valley bandh.
The state government's decision to suspend the Act only in Imphal has been meet with cynicism and the agitators have responded by bringing life to a standstill in Manipur valley.
Senior officials said security has been tightened across the state. Eight companies of central para-military forces requisitioned specially to deal with the situation have been deployed at strategic points in the valley.