IMPHAL, Nov 12: Thirteen civil society organizations in Manipur have declared a 24-hour total shutdown across Manipur from 6:00 pm on November 12 to 6:00 pm on November 13.
The organizations leading the protest include the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Peoples’ Action for National Democratic Movement (PAMDM), Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (Kanglamei), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK), and several others.
In a press conference held at the IPSA’s office in Keishampat today, representatives voiced strong concerns over the government’s failure to curb militant activities and ensure the safety of the local population. The shutdown is organized in response to the abduction of six members of a family in Jiribam as well as ongoing attacks by suspected militants at various locations in Manipur.
The CSOs called on the government to urgently locate the six missing hostages, allegedly abducted by the Kuki militants and to ensure justice for Sapam Sophie, a victim of the November 9 attack. Failure to meet these demands within 24 hours, would trigger intensified protest by the Union.
