Net suspended for 3 more days, protests continue in Imphal

Guwahati: Manipur remains on the edge with widespread demonstrations against the Centre and state govt for failing to restore peace in the state and protests continuing in Imphal valley. State authorities Wednesday extended the suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services across seven districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi — for three more days.
A total curfew in Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts came into force after a five-hour relaxation from 5am on Wednesday morning, while all educational institutions were kept closed by the govt.
In a fresh development regarding the ongoing protests, the Meitei umbrella organisation, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), announced the suspension of its indefinite sit-in at Ima Market in the heart of Imphal for a week, citing govt assurances after rejecting the govt's 8-point resolution.
COCOMI stated that security forces would initiate a comprehensive operation in the hill districts within seven days, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would assume responsibility for investigating the killing of six civilians in Jiribam, leading to the temporary suspension of the protest. However, numerous demonstrators expressed their discontent with COCOMI's decision, insisting that the protests would continue.
COCOMI coordinator Somorendro Thokchom told the media, "We will observe how the resolution passed by the legislators is implemented. Further action will be decided after that."
Local residents, including Meira Paibis (women activists) from Keisampat Thiyam Leikai, staged a sit-in opposing the govt's inadequate response to establish peace in the state. The protesters expressed outrage over the barbaric killing of three women and three children, who were held captive by suspected Kuki Hmar militants, in Jiribam district.
At Kongba, 12 Clubs Wangkhei Road held a demonstration calling for appropriate action against 10 Kuki MLAs accused of supporting Kuki terrorist activities. The protesters also demanded justice for the six civilians killed by alleged Kuki militants. Similar protests were organised at Ayangpalli Road and Wangkhei Puja Lampak, with participants calling for action against Kuki-Zo Hmar militants.
Mahabali Kabui Khul Peikei (Thoubei), along with Clubs and Women Society, also staged a sit-in. The demonstration opposed the brutal killings of women and children, as well as the renewed imposition of AFSPA within six police station areas in five districts.