Rebel groups boycott Indian Independence Day; calls total shut down on August 15

Imphal, Aug 10: A joint statement of the United National Liberation Front of WESEA (UNLFW), Co-ordination Committee (CorCom), Manipur, Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has called on the people of the region to boycott the Indian Independence Day and said that there will be total shut down in the North East Region on August 15. 
The rebels said that some citizens of India will witness the fun fare of the celebration but the reality is that people of the region are always suppressed.
“The continuous racist attacks on our WESEA people in mainland India, the latest being the humiliating incidence of Monika Khangembam of Manipur proves the vulnerability of the people of our region in spite of carrying the stamp of genuine citizenship and passport”, the joint statement said.
The joint statement also elaborated on how the draconian act like AFSPA had been imposing in the region to suppress the people of the region said that people of the region should voice together for freedom of the people.
The statement further appealed to avoid public gatherings and students to stay at home to boycott the Indian National celebrations.
“Our target is the Indian occupational forces, not a single civilian. But, the occupation forces use civilians as shields and even trick the innocents to walk on to danger and threat to life”, the rebels give warning to the mass.
The statement also said that from 1 am till 6 pm of August 15, all public and private transportation should stop service, all shops and markets should down shutters and educational institutions should remain closed. However, essential and humanitarian services are exempted from this total shutdown during the stipulated hours, added the statement.