- NEW DELHI — Businesses and educational institutions in Manipur will remain
shut on Saturday as Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi bodies have called for a bandh to
mark the second anniversary of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in
May 2023.
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- Student organisations representing the Kuki-Zomi
community have announced a complete shutdown of educational institutions and
business establishments in parts of Manipur on Saturday.
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- According to the two student bodies, the Zomi Students'
Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Saturday will be
observed in silence as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives and
were displaced during the conflict.
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- They have urged residents in Kuki-dominated areas to
participate in the shutdown and hoist black flags at their homes as a symbol of
mourning. The student bodies also called for hoisting black flags at the
respective residences of all.
Read: Nearly 500 families set for resettlement in Manipur’s Serou
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- The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has also
planned a commemorative event titled 'Separation Day' to be held in
Churachandpur district headquarters.
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- Simultaneously, in the Imphal Valley, the Coordinating
Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing Meitei civil society
interests, has called for a public observance by halting all daily activities
and attending the Manipur People’s Convention scheduled in the state capital,
Imphal.
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- Tensions in Manipur remain high as security forces have
increased their presence across the state to prevent any untoward incidents
during the anniversary.
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- Since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, over 260
people have been killed and thousands displaced in the ongoing conflict between
the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zomi tribes.
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