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Imphal, Aug 30 (IANS) Normal life in Manipur came to a standstill Thursday during an 18-hour shutdown called by the joint action committee demanding the release of a businessman abducted by suspected Naga rebels. "No untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the state," Director General of Police Y. Joykumar Singh told IANS. Almost all government establishments, including financial and educational institutions, remained shut and roads bore a deserted look throughout the state during the shutdown which began at midnight and will last till 6 p.m. "Thin attendance was recorded in all government offices," a government official said. Irungbam Irabanta, the sand supplier for the under-construction Thoubal Multi Purpose Project, commonly known as Maphou dam, was kidnapped allegedly by rebels of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) May 27. Intelligence officials said the rebels have demanded a huge ransom for Irabanta's release. "We have not been able to locate him and the hunt is still on," the Manipur police chief said. The United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs Organisation and many civil society groups have appealed to the Manipur government to intensify Irabanta's search.
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