A general strike began in Manipur at midnight demanding complete withdrawal from the state of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

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P Chittaranjan, a student who self-immolated on Sunday morning at Bishenpur Bazaar, succumbed to the injuries on Tuesday sparking off a fresh round of protests in the state.

The strike would continue until Chittaranjan is cremated. The cremation is likely to take place after doctors complete the post-mortem. The government is unlikely to give permission to the protestors to take out a procession before the funeral.

"It is better to self-immolate than die at the hands of security forces under this Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. With this conviction, I am marching ahead of the people as a human torch. The draconian Act has made everyone
vulnerable in society," Chittaranjan had written in a note just before immolating himself.

The note was released to the media by his family.

Meanwhile, Bishenpur district has been put under indefinite curfew.