IMPHAL: In a significant move, the Coordination Committee (CorCom), an alliance comprising six banned militant groups in Manipur, has declared a 12-hour total shutdown in the region on October 15, starting at 6 a.m. This decision aligns with CorCom's annual observance of October 15 as "National Black Day."
According to a statement released by CorCom's publicity committee, this date symbolizes a pivotal moment in Manipur's history. They emphasize that the political status of Manipur underwent a sudden and undesirable transformation with its annexation by the Indian Union on October 15, 1949. This event marked the reduction of sovereign Manipur to the status of a mere Chief Commissioner's Province.
In 2023, CorCom alleges that the Government of India played a role in inciting communal conflicts within Manipur through the manipulation of the state's administration and their associates.
Furthermore, CorCom places blame on the central government for purportedly scheming to ignite violence and internal strife among the various ethnic groups inhabiting Manipur. Their allegations suggest an agenda aimed at transforming the state into a region predominantly dominated by mainland Indian inhabitants.
The Coordination Committee calls upon the people of Manipur (Kangleipak) to remain vigilant and discern the alleged conspiracies being orchestrated by India. The insurgent groups at the helm of the CorCom advocate for all ethnic communities to prioritize peaceful coexistence and joint efforts for collective development, while simultaneously urging a unified resistance against India.
It's important to note that emergency and essential services, such as medical facilities, media organizations, and religious ceremonies, have been exempted from the scope of the impending 12-hour shutdown. This exemption underscores the intention to minimize disruptions to vital services that affect the daily lives of Manipur's residents.
The CorCom is a conglomerate composed of six militant outfits predominantly based in the valley region of Manipur. These groups include the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), its Progressive faction (PREPAK-Pro), Revolutionary People's Front (RPF, which serves as the political wing of the People's Liberation Army), and United National Liberation Front (UNLF). Together, they constitute a powerful alliance striving to address what they perceive as historical injustices and ongoing challenges faced by Manipur in the context of its political identity and future.
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