IMPHAL: Amidst escalating tensions in Manipur, a coalition of twelve civil society organisations (CSOs) has declared a 48-hour general strike beginning from midnight of Thursday (March 14) until Saturday (March 16) midnight.
The strike is in protest against the recent arrest of three leaders affiliated with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF)-Pambei group by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Manipur.
Addressing reporters in Imphal, Th Manihar, president of the Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS) Manipur, outlined the planned protests, which may include boycotting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, unless the detained individuals are released unconditionally and promptly.
Manihar expressed deep concern over the arrests, stating that they constitute a violation of the ceasefire agreement and are seen as a disrespect to the party and the people of Manipur.
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He announced that a delegation from the CSOs would travel to Delhi on Friday to meet with relevant authorities to address the matter.
The president criticized the Manipur government’s purported lack of awareness regarding the arrests, deeming it unacceptable.
He urged the Manipur government to exert pressure on the central government to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the detained individuals.
The CSOs participating in the strike include FOCS, MWF, IPOM, UMO, WMC, KKJCC, Yelhoumi Kanba Lup, Apunba Sinmitlon, Singjamei Apunba Nupi Lup, All Lilong Chajing Meira Paibi, and several other organizations.