Northeast Desk, 15th March: Thirteen prominent organizations in Manipur have collectively announced the reduction of the initially planned 48-hour general strike to a 24-hour period. This decision stems from concerns regarding the ongoing class 10 and class 12 examinations in the region. The adjustment comes in response to the recent arrest of three cadres belonging to the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 13.
Originally scheduled to commence at midnight on March 14, the strike duration has been shortened to minimize disruptions to the examination schedule. Despite this modification, the organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to peaceful demonstrations. These activities include rallies, sit-ins, and torch rallies, all advocating for the unconditional release of the arrested cadres.
The arrested individuals, among them prominent figures such as the self-styled chief of the UNLF-P army Th Thoiba and Lieutenant Colonel Laimayum Ingba, were apprehended through a combined forces operation overseen by the NIA in the Kwakeithel area of Imphal West.
In a joint statement issued today, signatories from organizations such as the Federation of Civil Society Organisation, All Manipur Students’ Union, and Manipuri Women’s Federation expressed their solidarity with the cause. They also recognized the paramount importance of minimizing disruptions to the education system, particularly during the ongoing examinations.
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