The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) students' wing on Wednesday launched the first day of a two-day shutdown targeting all central and state government offices, excluding essential services, including the education sector.
The two-day agitation by COCOMI, an apex civil body in Manipur, was initiated following the failure of the N Biren Singh-led government to address key demands. These demands include action on the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, a crackdown on Kuki militants, and other measures aimed at restoring peace in the region.
On Tuesday evening, CM Biren stated at his residence that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has re-registered three cases related to incidents in Jiribam. These include the killing of a 31-year-old woman on November 7, the murder of two men in Jakhoradhor, and the killing of six individuals, including three women, two minors, and an eight-month-old infant, allegedly abducted by Kuki armed militants.
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COCOMI had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to meet their demands, which ended on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, volunteers from COCOMI's students' wing shut down several government offices, including the DC Imphal West office, the Secretariat offices, the district transport office in Imphal West, and departments such as Forest and Horticulture, Environment, and the Sub-Divisional Officer's office.
Despite efforts by Manipur police, protesters managed to lock the Secretariat North Block and disperse employees. Police later broke the locks and allowed employees to resume their duties, although many were seen leaving their offices around 1 pm. No arrests or detentions of agitators were reported.
An individual at the district transport office said, "I came to renew my driving license, but this shutdown has delayed the process. Meanwhile, traffic police might penalize me for possessing an expired license."
Another individual, Meisnam Tomba, who was at the Secretariat North Block, expressed frustration: "I had a week-long appointment to complete official work during the curfew relaxation hours, but this shutdown has caused delays."
In light of the tense situation, district administrations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur announced curfew relaxations from 5 am to 12 noon as a preventive measure.
