Imphal: The Manipur government suspended two policemen on Thursday for injuring agitating students early this week while the 48-hour strike called by the Manipur University Students' Union continued to paralyse the state for the second consecutive day.

The students' union is demanding the ouster of vice-chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey, against whom it has levelled several allegations.

The strike, which will end at midnight on Thursday, is being supported by the All Manipur Students' Union, Students' Union of Kangleipak, Apunba Ireipak Maheiroi Singpang Lup, Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur, Manipur Students' Federation, Kangleipak Students' Association and the All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation. Local organisations are also supporting it.

During the 48 hours, vehicles remained off the roads, while those plying were blocked by strike supporters, cutting off Imphal city. Business establishments remained closed and protesters burnt tyres on roads which were barricaded with poles, stones and benches across the state. Imphal city and other towns in the state wore a deserted look.

Essential services and religious activities were, however, exempted.

Bandh supporters allegedly attacked an office assistant in a local newspaper at Kakwa in Imphal West district on Wednesday evening, snatched Rs 2,000 from him and vandalised his vehicle. The All Manipur Working Journalists Union has condemned the attack.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh, while visiting students hospitalised at Raj Medicity on Thursday, said his government had suspended sub-inspector Gunachandra Chanam and constable Sidarth Thokchom of Imphal West police for caning and injuring protesting students on Monday and Tuesday.

On Monday, the general secretary of Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur, Shital Oinam, fractured his left arm when a truck ran over it as he fell down when the police tried to push back agitating students. The incident took place when the students marched towards the BJP's Manipur office after storming the gate of Raj Bhavan. Shital underwent surgery at the hospital on Thursday.

On Tuesday, seven more students were injured when they proceeded to the chief minister's bungalow after burning effigies of HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, the chief minister and the vice- chancellor. Two girls, Soibam Manjuna and Moirangthem Linda, and a boy, Sarungbam Umakanta, were injured on the head. They said they were still feeling dizzy and were in hospital despite being given discharge certificates.

Biren Singh, who was accompanied by deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar and other cabinet ministers on Thursday, said his government would bear the medical expenses of the students and wished them speedy recovery.

He told reporters that his government understands the sentiments of the students, teachers and staff of Manipur University and, in accordance with their wish, has persuaded the Centre to form a committee, headed by a retired chief justice of a high court, to investigate the allegations against the vice-chancellor.

If Pandey is found to be guilty, he will be ousted, he added.

The chief minister said Manipur University is a central university, which puts limitations on the state government. However, the state cabinet took a decision on the issue and put pressure on the Centre to investigate the matter.

"We met Governor Najma Heptulla yesterday (Wednesday) and apprised her of the situation. The governor has informed the President about the gravity of the situation," he added.