A conglomerate of several armed rebel groups operating in the region, the CorCom, has announced a ban on the proposed visit of President of India Droupadi Murmu to Manipur. In a statement issued by M. Shak-Hen, Media Coordinator of CorCom, the group declared a total shutdown starting from 1:00 pm on the day of the President’s arrival and continuing for the entire duration of her stay in the state. Essential services such as medical services, fire services, water supply and ritual-related activities will be exempted.
It said the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Manipur, Kangleipak, on December 11 for the observance of Nupi Lal on December 12 is not aimed at restoring peace, harmony or development but would “further aggravate hostility among communities” because of what the statement termed a “proxy war”. For this reason, CorCom announced that it condemns and boycotts the President’s visit.
The statement cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur on September 13 and claimed that his visit was part of a conspiracy to divide the state. The statement also mentioned the deaths caused under the leadership of “two Gujaratis — Narendra Modi and Amit Shah” and stated that nearly 300 innocent people have been killed and thousands rendered refugees in their own land, losing their homes.
The outfit described the President as a “colonial authority” and contended that her proposed visit would only add political provocation to an already volatile situation.
It accused the Government of India of trying to undermine the unity and integrity of Manipur (Kangleipak) on the one hand, while asserting on the other that the people of the State have always resisted such attempts “in defence of the land, the nation and the people”.
Referring to the historical movements of 1904 and 1939, the group said the two Nupi Laal uprisings were driven by the courage and sacrifice of Manipuri women who stood together against colonial repression. It maintained that their memory must be respected in the present-day observance of Nupi Lal and that the President’s participation would distort its meaning. CorCom said her participation would amount to “India claiming to lead the spirit of the Nupi Laal,” which it termed unacceptable.
It described the President’s visit as one to suppress people’s aspirations, urging the Manipuri people to condemn and boycott it. The total shutdown called by CorCom comes into effect from 1:00 pm on the day of her arrival till her departure. Essential services will remain operational.