Imphal, September 10: The Coordination Committee (CorCom), a coalition of armed groups in Manipur, has announced a boycott of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the state on September 13, calling it an attempt to “foster enmity” rather than bring peace or development.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Committee, CorCom said a total shutdown will be enforced across the state from 1 a.m. on September 13 until the Prime Minister’s departure. However, essential services such as healthcare, fire services, water supply, and religious rituals will be exempted.
CorCom alleged that since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, Manipur has been grappling with its worst ethnic crisis, leaving nearly 250 people dead and about 60,000 displaced. It traced the conflict to protests by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) against a High Court order on Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community, which spiraled into clashes with tribal groups, particularly the Kukis.
The group accused the central government of indifference, pointing to ongoing highway blockades, delayed resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and rising atrocities against women and children, including incidents of Kuki women being paraded naked. It also condemned the growing role of extremist elements in escalating the crisis.
CorCom further criticized the resignation of the state’s Chief Minister, the imposition of AFSPA, and the failure of promised development initiatives, saying these factors had eroded public trust. It warned that unless the Centre initiates an inclusive dialogue addressing grievances across communities, Manipur risks deeper instability and worsening ethnic violence.
