A conglomerate of six insurgent groups in Manipur, known as the Coordination Committee (CorCom), has declared a statewide shutdown on December 11 and 12 to protest President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming visit to the state. The shutdown, which will commence at 1 am on December 11 and continue until the President’s departure, is characterized by CorCom as a boycott against the visit, which they believe will exacerbate tensions within the community rather than promote peace or development. They describe the state’s situation as a “proxy war” and have explicitly condemned the President’s visit.
Despite the shutdown, essential services, including medical assistance, fire services, and water supply, will remain operational. President Murmu’s visit is expected to last two days, during which she will participate in official events in Imphal and Senapati district, including the observance of Nupi Lal on December 12, an event commemorating the efforts of Manipuri women against colonial injustice.
In light of potential unrest, security measures are being heightened across sensitive areas in the state. CorCom has drawn parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in September, accusing it of being a part of a systematic effort to divide Manipur. They label the President as a “colonial authority” and charge the Government of India with undermining the unity and integrity of the region, known as Kangleipak. This boycott emerges in a context of increasing polarization in Manipur, which is currently under President’s Rule, raising concerns about disruptions during the planned shutdown.