Curfew Imposed in Manipur Ahead of PM Modi’s Saturday Rally

The apex body of six insurgent groups in Manipur, the Coordinating Committee (Corcom), has imposed a curfew from 6 am on 25 February. Corcom said that the curfew shall remain effective till Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves Imphal after his electioneering.

Police said that security measures have been beefed up to ensure that there is no law and order problem during Prime Minister’s one-hour visit.

The Corcom statement levels serious charges against the Indian government including driving a wedge between the communities who have been living in peace and harmony for generations.

Members of public are asked not to venture out during the curfew. However media and those in essential services will be exempt.

The established insurgent groups in Manipur have always boycotted visits of the central dignitaries. Police said, “During such curfews people usually stayed indoors and did not stick out their necks.”

There was always a thin attendance in the public functions. There are also some stray violent incidents to drive the message home that the boycott call should not be taken lightly.

The ruling Congress has been saying in election meetings that during his visit, Modi should spell out the details of the framework agreement New Delhi had signed with the NSCN(IM). Students and women activists have been demanding the disclosure of the details of the agreement.