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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 19 : The Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM) has called a 48-hour shutdown across Manipur from midnight tonight against the killing of three civilians who had gone to collect firewood at Khongbal Tangkhul Mamang Ching, allegedly by Kuki narco-terrorists.
Different culbs and organisations of Imphal East have also called a general strike with immediate effect. The general strike will be in force till midnight of October 20.
Addressing the media at the office of the Zeliangrong Union at Paona Keithel this evening, NPCM convenor L Phaomei strongly condemned the attack on the firewood collectors, which left three persons dead and several others injured.
He urged the Government and the authorities concerned to arrest the perpetrators within 48 hours.
Phaomei also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Y Khemchand and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, alleging that they had failed to protect the lives of the people.
He warned that NPCM would launch a mass protest involving people from both the hill and valley districts if the Government fails to arrest the perpetrators within 48 hours.
NPCM co-convenor Phurailatpam Deban said that people are aware of Kuki civilians regularly travelling to the airport but had refrained from objecting to their movement in the interest of peace. He alleged that the killing of three firewood collectors by Kuki narco-terrorists today was an invitation to reignite the conflict. The civilians were killed despite the Chief Minister's repeated assurances of peace and free movement across the State, he said, adding that the State Government must take full responsibility for their deaths.
The Manipur Indigenous Alliance (MIA) also condemned the killing of the three civilians by "Kuki narco terrorists."
Addressing the media at Sagolband Tera Khuraijam Leikai today, MIA president Soraisam Surendra urged the Government to arrest and penalise the killers.
He said that they have also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to resolve the ongoing crisis as well as the chronic issues plaguing Manipur.