Imphal, Jan 5: Several civil society and student organisations on Monday called for a 24-hour total shutdown across Manipur from midnight, condemning the bomb attack reported earlier in Bishnupur district.
The shutdown call was jointly announced by groups including the Indigenous People Organisation Manipur (IPOM), the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Yelhoumee Kanba Lup and other like-minded organisations. Addressing a press conference, IPOM president Devadutta Yumnam alleged that armed Kuki militants had been carrying out repeated attacks in the peripheral and foothill areas of the state, creating fear and instability.
Yumnam claimed such incidents were aimed at prolonging President’s Rule in Manipur by preventing the restoration of a popularly elected government. He criticised both the Union government and the state administration under President’s Rule, alleging failure to ensure security despite assurances given to village defence groups that surrendered arms would be compensated with adequate protection.
Referring to a recent incident at Phougakchao Ikhai, Yumnam said armed attackers had allegedly used bombs and firearms when internally displaced persons attempted to resettle, but no effective action was taken against those responsible. He questioned the effectiveness of central forces if civilians continued to remain vulnerable in sensitive areas.
He said the Meitei community wanted lasting peace and that internally displaced persons wished to return to their homes and resume normal life. However, he alleged that certain groups were deliberately trying to prolong the violence to obstruct normalcy.
Condemning the Bishnupur bomb attack and what they described as government inaction, the organisations announced that a total shutdown would be observed across Manipur for 24 hours beginning at midnight.
