Imphal, Oct 15 : Normal life in Manipur came to a standstill on Thursday following a general strike called by the Manipur People''s Liberation Front (MPLF).

The MPLF is an umbrella forum formed by major insurgent groups operating in the state.

The MPLF has called for a 24-hour strike in protest against the merger of Manipur with the rest of the country.

On this day in 1949, Maharaja Bodhchandra the then executive head of the state, accepted the merger with the Union of India.

Markets, shops and business establishments remained closed in most parts of the state.

Transport services within the state as well as with neighbouring states are badly affected as a result of the strike.

Government offices witnessed poor attendance.

State Government has deployed security forces at important places to avoid untoward incidents during the strike. (ANI)