Imphal, Oct. 15 -- A 12-hour shutdown called by the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-Apunba (KCP-Apunba) to mark October 15 as 'Black Day', commemorating Manipur's merger with India in 1949, disrupted normal life across the state on Thursday.

The shutdown, which started at 6 am, will continue until 6 pm on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the banned underground outfit and signed by its self-styled publicity secretary, Punshirol Meitei.

Markets, including Khwairamband Ima market (women's market), and educational institutions remained closed, public transport services were suspended and government offices saw low attendance, according to locals.

"Very few employees turned up in offices including administrative offices of...