The first day of the two-day shutdown called by Apunba Lup (meaning United Body), a conglomeration of several civil rights organisations, saw a massive response in the state capital on Monday.
Roads were blocked by women’s garments hung across on ropes, effigies of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and tyres were burnt at various parts of the town patrolled by police commandos.
The shutdown was called to protest against the alleged fake encounter on July 23 exposed by Tehelka magazine.
A pregnant woman and a youth were allegedly killed in the encounter on a busy Imphal street, according to the Tehelka expose.
Protestors at several places also called for revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state in the wake of the alleged rape and killing of suspected woman militant Thangjam Manorama by troops of 17 Assam Rifles in 2004.