Agitators impose 24-hour ‘public curfew’ in Manipur from Friday midnight

The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) on Friday announced imposition of a 24-hours public curfew in the state from midnight.

The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) on Friday announced imposition of a 24-hours public curfew in the state from midnight, protesting against police high-handedness.

The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has announced the imposition of a 24-hours public curfew in the state from midnight. (Northeast Today)

Essential services and students have been exempted. Notably, the schools and colleges are already closed for two days following a government order in view of anti-migrant agitations.

Interacting with the media, Convener (in-charge), B K Moirangcha said that the Committee was forced to take up the step after the police foiled a sit-in protest and arrangement for public meeting to discuss the government’s attitude towards implementation of ILP in the state as well as for the removal of the ‘Wanted’ tag against former Convener Ratan.

Moirangcha said, “After obtaining permission from the authorities, preparations were being made for a meeting to discuss the burning issues, including Khomdram Ratan, a former convener, being declared as absconder. However, a fresh order was issued banning the public meeting.”

Residents including school students had converged at Singjamei Bridge in Imphal West district to conduct the sit-in and the public meeting this morning.

The police dismantled the makeshift site for the sit-in, resulting in a minor tussle between the students and the police.

JCILPS said media, medical and religious activities would be out of the purview of the public curfew.