Imphal, Oct. 15: A rebel-sponsored general strike disrupted normal life and functioning of government departments and hospitals today.

Manipur Peoples’ Liberation Front (MPLF) observes October 15 as “national black day” and calls a strike every year against the state’s merger with the Indian Union in 1949.

The front called the strike from 1am to 5.30pm today.

Routine (scheduled) operations at RIMS were suspended, as few doctors reported for work. However, the institute performed emergency operations. Medical superintendent Y. Mohen Singh confirmed that today’s routine was suspended.

Attendance in government offices was thin and banks were also closed.

Public transport like taxis and inter-state passenger buses did not ply.

Shops and marketplaces were closed in Imphal city and other parts of the state. There was no report of any untoward incident.

Police recovered a hand grenade from the foot of a mobile phone tower at Lilong Horeibi in Thoubal district this afternoon.