Central Govt offices sealed to protest Jiribam killings
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 18 2024: The student front of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) intensified its protests on Monday by locking down three central government offices in the state.

This action is part of their indefinite protest against the central government's inaction over the ongoing violence in Manipur and the recent killing of six civilians, including women and children.

The offices targeted included the Election Commission of India (ECI), Lamphel; Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyel; and the GST Bhawan at Thambalkhong.

Protesters, mainly students and COCOMI representatives, stormed the offices and locked them, accusing the government of failing to protect civilians and take action against armed groups operating under suspension of operation agreements.

The protest follows a 24-hour ultimatum issued by COCOMI on November 16, demanding a military crackdown on armed groups involved in the violence.

Meanwhile, COCOMI Jiribam unit has strongly condemned the abduction of six civilians including three children, and subsequent rape and murder by Kuki militants.

They also decried re-imposition of AFSPA and demanded immediate withdrawal of the recent order.

Addressing a press meet at the office of IPSA Jiribam on Monday, COCOMI Jiribam spokesperson Y Ibomcha termed the burning alive of two elderly men in Jakuradhor under Borobekra sub-division on November 11, abduction of six civilians including children, and subsequent rape and murder of the hostages as heinous crime and acts of terrorism.

He demanded the Centre and the state government to book the perpetrators and bring them to justice at the earliest.

He also demanded the Central government to withdraw its recent order to re-impose AFSPA in areas under six police stations of the state, terminate Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants, and declare them as terrorist organisations.

Ibomcha farther said that COCOMI Jiribam will fully endorse all decisions of COCOMI HQ and close down all Central government offices with exception of healthcare and educational institutions in the district.

At the same time, a public meeting held at Lamjao Mayai Leikai Panthoibi Shanglen on Sunday expressed strong condemnation against the abduction, rape and murder of six civilians including three children.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of tribute to the victims' soul.

According to a statement of Khunggang Shemgat Shagatpa Lup (KSSL), Lamjao, the meeting held the Central government responsible for prolonging the crisis in the state and demanded the Centre to take up immediate decisive actions to resolve it.

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation Manipur also decried the rape and murder of the six hostages by Kuki militants.

In a statement, the foundation termed the incident as beastly act and demanded the government to hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice for their inhumane crime.

The Foundation also prayed for the souls of the victims.

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