Manipur CM Urges End to Shutdown Amid Ongoing Unrest
Chief Minister's Plea for Normalcy
CM Singh (centre) during the 83rd commemoration of the Khurai Chingangbam Mandop Aerial Bombing (1943) in Khurai Thangjam Leikai. (Photo)
Imphal, Apr 20: On Monday, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh made an emotional appeal for the cessation of the ongoing five-day total shutdown, emphasizing that the protest has significantly disrupted daily life in the state, with ordinary citizens suffering the most.
In an interview, the Chief Minister mentioned that discussions are currently in progress with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in response to the tragic incident in Bishnupur, where two young children lost their lives in a nighttime attack allegedly involving advanced weaponry.
He reassured that the government has not dismissed any of the JAC's demands.
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“We have not rejected any of the requests. We empathize with their situation, but the shutdown was called unexpectedly while discussions were ongoing,” he stated.
Highlighting the adverse effects, Khemchand pointed out that daily wage workers and small vendors are particularly hard hit.
“Mothers selling vegetables and those reliant on daily earnings are experiencing severe difficulties in their everyday lives,” he remarked.
Once again, the Chief Minister called for the shutdown to be lifted for the greater good of the public.
His comments came during the 83rd commemoration of the Khurai Chingangbam Mandop Aerial Bombing (1943), which took place at the Multipurpose Hall in Khurai Thangjam Leikai.
In the meantime, COCOMI, a prominent civil society organization in the valley, declared a boycott of all activities related to the BJP in Manipur amid the ongoing turmoil.
COCOMI Secretary General Shanta Nahakpam criticized the government for appearing out of touch with the realities on the ground, stating there has been minimal interaction with civil society organizations across various communities.
“What is going on? Why are such incidents recurring, and why has the government failed to effectively prevent these attacks?” he questioned.
In announcing the boycott, he urged the public to refrain from participating in any political, developmental, or public events associated with the BJP, including those involving MLAs, party officials, or government representatives linked to the party.
He further asserted that the Chief Minister’s approach seems overly “personalized,” lacking adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders.
As part of their strategy, Nahakpam indicated that democratic forms of protest would persist and called on the public to unite in the coming days to demand accountability.
He also encouraged citizens to visit the homes of key government officials, including the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, to seek answers.