Sit-ins mark total shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 19 2019: During the 18 hour total Manipur shutdown called by MANPAC against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), sit in protests were staged in numerous parts of the State today under the aegis of North East Forum for Indigenous People (NEFIP) and MANPAC.

The shut down was total with all commercial centres remaining closed for the day and vehicular movement was minimal.

Sit in protests were staged at Singjamei Supermarket, Yaiskul, Moirang- khom, Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai, Pishum Oinam Leikai, Haobam Marak and Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai.

Sit-ins mark total shutdown

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the sit in protest at Yaiskul, Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) assistant coordinator Jeetendra Ningomba said that even though the Union and State Government, in the past, assured that clauses to protect the indigenous people will be included in CAB, the State Government is currently unaware of whether such a clause has indeed been included or not.

Jeetendra then questioned how the Union Government views the people of Manipur as it is trying to pass the CAB at a time when the State is reeling under a tense atmosphere due to the Naga political issue.

He then clarified that COCOMI declined the invitation of the State Government for a meeting as the invitation did not include any agenda for discussing a Special State Assembly session.

On the other hand, during the sit in protest at Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai, Meira Paibi secretary Yengkhom (o) Sanatombi said that CAB is a Bill which is totally against the interest of the people of Manipur and the North East region.

Warning against the introduction of the Bill, let alone pass it in the Parliament, the Meira Paibi secretary said that if the Bill is passed by sidelining the sentiments of the people, then the locals of Chingmeirong will intensify their agitation in collaboration with Manipur People against CAB (MANPAC).

She continued that Manipur is a small State and a large number of non-indigenous people are continuously flooding the region.

At a time when the authorities and people are having difficulties dealing with this problem, what will be the situation when CAB is passed and the foreigners come in waves, she asked.

The 60 MLAs were elected to serve the people.

If they cannot effectively oppose the Bill, then what is the purpose of electing them, she asked.

She pointed out that the MLAs, both in ruling and Opposition, have equal responsibilities in ensuring that neither the Naga peace talks or Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) affects the sentiments of the people in any way.

Failure to do so will result in a new Nupi Lan, she warned.

Locals of Checkon area and Wangkhei to Kongba road came out on the streets and blocked the road thereby disturbing vehicular movements.

However, medical emergencies and religious ceremonies were relaxed by the bandh supporters.

Similar protests were also carried out by Chana Meira Paibi, Nongada Awang Leikai Meira Paibi, Eastern Lions Club Nongada, Eastern Unique Club Kameng Khunjao and Nongada Makha Leikai Meira Paibi at their localities today.