Security Heightened in Manipur Ahead of Independence Day Amidst Call for Boycott

Security arrangements in Manipur have been intensified ahead of Independence Day celebrations following a bandh call by an umbrella organization comprising major militant groups to boycott the Independence Day celebrations. 

This move comes in the midst of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities that have plagued the region since early May, resulting in the loss of nearly 160 lives and the displacement of over 50,000 individuals.

Officials with knowledge of the situation have disclosed that police and security forces deployed within the state have been directed to enhance their patrolling efforts and vehicle inspections to ensure the smooth conduct of Independence Day events. 

The Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of militant outfits predominantly based in Imphal Valley, has specifically called for people to abstain from participating in Independence Day functions. Moreover, CorCom has urged residents to remain indoors and refrain from unfurling the national tri-color.

In addition to the boycott, CorCom has announced a 17.5-hour shutdown that will commence at 1 am on Tuesday and conclude at 6:30 pm. It is essential to note that crucial services such as medical emergencies, water supply, fire services, media operations, and social and religious activities are exempted from this shutdown.

The participating militant groups under the CorCom alliance include the Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Revolutionary Peoples’ Front, Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Progressive, Peoples’ Liberation Army, and United National Liberation Front. These outfits have long advocated for Manipur's sovereignty.

In a separate incident, unidentified miscreants set an auto-rickshaw ablaze in the Porompat Pangal Leirak area of Imphal East district. The auto-rickshaw driver was reportedly transporting goods for Kuki residents when the vehicle was intercepted and torched by a mob. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.

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