Curfew imposed in Manipur capital Imphal continued for the second day on Wednesday even protestors came out on the streets in large numbers to protest against the Citizenship Bill, sources said.
Imphal
Widespread protest going on in Manipur against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Indigenous peoples of Manipur and across North East India feared the Bill will facilitate the unabated influx of religious minorities from neighboring countries.
Manipur university students came out on the streets, burnt tyres and blocked the road in front of the university main gate. Manipur University Students Union (MUSU) warned that more protest stronger than that of June uprising and the recent university will arise if the government fails to listen to the voice of the people.
Students and staff of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, JNIMS, also staged a protest sit in within the institute’s sprawling campus to lend their solidarity to the public opposition to the CAB.
Manipur Peoples’ Against Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 (MANPAC), had announced to conduct indefinite on-road agitation till the bill is completely withdrawn. Protestors blocked various main roads of city by burning tyres and logs across the road.
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Manipur’s Imphal West and East districts on Tuesday amid an ongoing strike against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. Mobile internet services have also been suspended indefinitely.
The orders for the curfew were issued on Monday night by N. Praveen Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, and Chitra Devi, the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East.
Praveen asked local TV channels to refrain from telecasting any report or image which will lead to deterioration of the law and order situation in the state capital.
The Peoples’ Alliance Manipur (PAM), a conglomerate of several organisations has called a 36-hour strike on Sunday night.
The indigenous people of the region are apprehending that if the bill is enacted, it will endanger their lives and identity.
While roads were deserted in both the districts, police personnel were seen informing people through loudspeakers about imposition of the prohibitory orders and asking them to stay indoors.
Security forces have also set up barricades on major roads. Markets, schools, colleges and offices were closed, the officials said. Mobile internet services have also been suspended indefinitely.
Security has been strengthened in the residences of MLAs and ministers, including that of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the officials said.
On Sunday, at least six women were injured when police fired tear gas shells at a group of people who had gathered to protest against the bill in Imphal. Women vendors at Ima Keithel or Mother’s Market have announced a total shutdown of the market till Tuesday.
