Imphal: Normal life was affected in Manipur today (Oct 27, 2004) by the 24-hour general strike called from midnight last night to protest against the killing of three Kuki students by police commandos in Imphal last Monday.

Official reports said that shops, markets and business establishments were closed in response to the strike called by the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO).

All transport services between Manipur and neighbouring States were cancelled as those within the State, the reports said.

Security was also tightened at various places to prevent any untoward incidents during the strike; the reports said adding that attendance in Government offices was also reported 'very thin'.

In a statement in Imphal, the KSO said that all the three victims were students although official sources had earlier claimed that they were Kuki militants.

Meanwhile, the KSO has identified the three students as Limkhongam Baite (25), Thangpao Baite (20) and Hemminthang Baite (19).

It said that the incident had occurred on Monday night when the three youths were returning home after attending a function at the Kuki Christian church at Dewlaland in Imphal.

The KSO statement said that it would also organise a series of agitation from tomorrow to protest against the killings and demand a proper inquiry into the incident and punishment for the culprits.