A coalition of armed rebel groups in the region, operating under the name CorCom, has declared a complete shutdown in Manipur during the proposed visit of President Droupadi Murmu. The group announced that the shutdown will begin at 1:00 pm on the day of her arrival, December 11, and continue throughout her stay. Essential services, including medical, fire, water supply, and ritual-related activities, will be exempted.
In a statement issued by CorCom’s media coordinator, M. Shak-Hen, the outfit stated that the President’s visit for the observance of Nupi Lal on December 12 is unlikely to contribute to peace or development and could instead intensify existing hostilities. The group described the visit as politically provocative, linking it to what it termed a “proxy war” in the state.
CorCom also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur on September 13, claiming it was part of a strategy to divide the state. The statement accused the government of causing widespread suffering, alleging that nearly 300 people have died and thousands have been displaced under the policies of the central leadership.
The group referred to President Murmu as a “colonial authority” and contended that her participation in the Nupi Lal events would misrepresent the historical significance of the 1904 and 1939 uprisings led by Manipuri women. CorCom argued that these movements symbolized the courage and sacrifice of women resisting colonial oppression and warned that the President’s presence would undermine their legacy.
The group urged the people of Manipur to condemn and boycott the visit, framing it as an attempt to suppress local aspirations. The announced shutdown is set to last from 1:00 pm on December 11 until the President departs, with essential services continuing to operate.
