COCOMI's shutdown shuts Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 31 2019: The total shut down imposed by the Coordinating Committee On Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) greatly affected normal life in the State today.

As a result of the shut down, all of the major markets, including Khwairamband Keithel and its surrounding areas, remained deserted.

All shops and business establishments also remained closed.

The impact of the shutdown was also felt at border towns Moreh and Jiribam as well.

Apart from Manipur Secretariat, almost all of the remaining Government offices and Departments witnessed low attendance.

Inter-State, inter-district and other passenger services also remained off the road.

COCOMI's shutdown shuts Manipur

However, a few private vehicles could be seen here and there.

The impact of the shutdown was less pronounced in the hill district HQs but the stopping of passenger services did affect normal business and trade in the hill areas.

Flight services however were not affected.

It may be recalled that COCOMI, formed by AMUCO, CCSK, HERICOUN, LIPUN and UCM, imposed the 20 hours shut down and cease work protest from 4 am today till midnight in an attempt to ensure the people of the State remain alert and ready to take necessary actions, in light of a possible affect on Manipur following a conclusion to the Naga peace talks today.

On the other hand, the State Government responded by deploying a large number of police personnel in important areas of the State capital today to prevent any unwanted incidents.

Some Central Para-Military forces and firemen and firetenders of Manipur Fire Services could also be seen in some parts of the State Capital during the shutdown.

On the other hand, human chain protests and sit ins were staged demanding against any form of solution which might affect the integrity of the State.

Under the aegis of COCOMI, Yumnam Khunou Ngakhapat Kom Ishing Thembi Khongsai Women Social Welfare Association Yumnam Khunou and Women Empowerment Association Yumnam Khunou organised a human chain protest in which around 500 people came out on the streets and protested by raising various slogans to protect the integrity of Manipur.

Khundrakpam Kendra Youths Organisation, under the aegis of SYDC club of Imphal East, also organised a sit in protest at Sinam village today.

Similar sit in protest was staged at Hiyangthang community hall by locals of Hiyangthang Mamang Leikai.

Clubs and Meira Paibis of Waiton Maning Leikai also staged a sit in protest at the locality today.

The protesters shouted various slogans demanding against any kind of impact to the State' s integrity as a result of the Naga peace talk.

Protests were also organised by Yairipok Laimanai Apunba Meira Paibi at Yairipok Laimanai Thongkhong, Yaita Thourang Nupi Lup at Wangkhei Hijam Leirak, Nongpok Leingak Nupi Lup and Paradise Club at Wangkhei Meihoubam, Wangkhei Pujah Lampak Women's Welfare Organisation Meira Paibi, Wangkhei Keithel Asangbi Nupi Lup, Konung Leikai Meira Paibi, Nupee Khunnai Chaokhat Kanglup Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Youth Integration Club and Ima Yaiphabi Nupi Lup at Keishamthong Maning Longjam Leikai, Kwakeithel Kanglamei Nupi Lup and Women Welfare Organisation Kangleipak (WWOK), Women Welfare Organisation Patsoi Part II Mayai Leikai, New Checkon, Dingku road, Khurai Lamlong, Council for Youth Welfare (CYWEL) and Lamjing Seva Meira Paibi at Sayang Road Konthoujam Leikai, Khurai Salanthong Paring, Langthabal Khoupum, Khongman Okram Chuthek, Leitanpokpi, Purum Likli and Sadu Lampak as well.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the sit in protest at Sadu Lampak today, Leitanpokpi Meira Paibi member Waikhom (O) Nimola Devi said that the peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) should not impact on the integrity of the State or disrupt the unity between the various communities residing in Manipur.