A conglomerate of six insurgent groups active in Manipur has announced a statewide shutdown on December 11 and 12 to boycott President Droupadi Murmu’s proposed visit to the state. In a statement, the conglomerate – Coordination Committee (CorCom) – said the shutdown would start at 1am on December 11, the day of the President’s scheduled arrival in Manipur until her departure from the state.
CorCom alleged that the President’s visit is not intended to bring peace, harmony or development but would “further aggravate hostility among communities” amid what it termed a continuing “proxy war.” The outfit said it “condemns and boycotts” the visit.
Essential services, including medical assistance, fire services, water supply and ritual-related activities, would be exempted from the shutdown. According to official sources, President Droupadi Murmu is likely to visit Manipur for two days, during which she is expected to attend official events in Imphal and Senapati district, including the state-level observance of Nupi Lal on December 12, held annually in memory of Manipuri women who fought against colonial injustice. Security preparations for the VVIP visit have reportedly begun, with heightened deployment in sensitive areas. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state in September, CorCom alleged that the trip was part of a “conspiracy to divide Manipur.”
Terming the President as a “colonial authority”, the conglomerate accused the Government of India of undermining the unity and integrity of Manipur, or Kangleipak. Notably, the boycott call comes at a time when the strife-torn state, currently under President’s Rule, remains deeply polarised, heightening apprehension about potential disruptions during the two-day shutdown.
