Insurgent groups boycott PM Modi’s Manipur visit; call a day bandh

The Coordinating Committee (CorCom) — an umbrella group of six underground insurgent organisations — on Tuesday boycotted the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur and called a state-bandh on March 16.

PM Modi along with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting the state to inaugurate the 10th Science Congress in Manipur on the the day. According to Manipur government claims around 5000 delegates including 2000 scientists will be participating the event.

According to government communique, PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in Imphal on March 16 morning. He will lay the foundation stones of several programs including a sports university.

The CorCoM has warned people from participating in any government programs in the state.

“The shutdown will come into effect from 1 am March 16,” read a pamphlet issued by the CorCoM.

However, the underground organisations have exempted examinations and essential services for the bandh.

Meanwhile, Joint Action Committee protesting against the inauguration of Mapithel dam has called for 48-hour general strike starting from March 14 midnight.

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Since the CorCom has announced a state bandh, security forces are cordoning all areas to ensure no untoward incidents during PM Modi’s visit in the state.

A senior officer said, “Raids and search operations are being conducted to nab the members of insurgent groups.”