Trade ban on non-locals in Manipur

IMPHAL, Feb 13 – Protesting the alleged inaction of the State as well as the Central governments into the killings, rapes and assaults on students of North East in Delhi, a Joint Students’ Coordination Committee (JSCC), a unified body of six student bodies in Manipur, today imposed a 19-hour ban on business activities with non-locals living in the State capital.

As a result, most of the shops and business establishments run by the non-locals in and around Imphal town remained closed from 5 am today.

This step was initiated as the State and the Central governments have not taken adequate preventive measures with regard to the recent racist attacks on students from North East in Delhi, said Th Premananda of JSCC. Crimes against North East people could be stopped only if security measures were taken up in time, he claimed.

Most non-local businessmen were seen standing in groups in front of their respective closed shops while some served the needy customers by keeping the front door half open.

On Tuesday, the All Manipur Students’ Union, human rights activists and the State BJP unit staged separate sit-in demonstrations against the recent killing of a student from Arunachal Pradesh and rape and assaults on Manipuri students in the National Capital.

Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Thokchom Meinya has, meanwhile, urged the Centre and Delhi administration to seriously ponder on the issues arising out of attacks on NE students.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had already had a meeting with some Central leaders, including Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde in this regard.

The JSCC comprises All Manipur Students’ Union, Manipur Students’ Federation, Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur, Students’ Union of Kangleipak, Kangleipak Students’ Association and Apunba Ereipakki Maheiroi Sinpang Lup.