COCOMI members closed government offices in Manipur

Imphal, 27 November (Hindustan Reporter). Members of the Manipur Integrity Coordination Committee (COCOMI) on Wednesday launched a campaign to shut down government offices in Manipur. The student wing of the committee closed down several central and state government offices, including the Manipur Secretariat. They fired employees and closed the offices.

COCOMI had warned of closure of central and state government offices and establishments in Manipur. However, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had appealed to the protesters to maintain peace and act with restraint. Ignoring the Chief Minister’s appeal, COCOMI members closed down government offices and establishments in Manipur.

The Chief Minister said that the NIA has re-registered the cases related to the Jiribam violence. Security forces have launched a massive operation to nab those responsible for the death of six hostages in Jiribam. The Chief Minister assured that the state government and NDA MLAs are ready to support the public in meeting the remaining demands. This includes declaring organizations linked to violence as terrorists and removing AFSPA from the jurisdiction of six police stations, etc.

COCOMI student wing convenor Thokchom Dhanchandra said the closure of government offices was part of a protest against the state and central governments for not paying attention to their demands. He expressed disappointment that many offices continued to function ignoring the committee’s decision, due to which they had to be closed.

Meanwhile, in view of the violent activities, the district administrations of Manipur government have extended the internet ban imposed in various districts of the state by two more days. Efforts are going on to spread rumors on a large scale in the state.

At the same time, on November 22, Medical Officer Dr. Nabakeshor, who was kidnapped from Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, has been freed from the kidnappers by the security forces. During the operation, police arrested four kidnappers along with a huge cache of weapons and explosives.