Saturday, March 4 2006 16:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Imphal: A government office was gutted and police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators during the 18-hour general strike called in Manipur today (Mar 04 2006) 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 at around 11 am and the government office was completely destroyed in the fire, officials said.

They said police used tear gas on strike supporters who blocked the road at Kwakeithe area here but no casualty was reported.

Protestors also burnt question papers of Class XII examinations of 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 in view of the 'lightning strike' since midnight against the alleged molestation of a woman by police commandos.

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