Proscribed Groups in Manipur Announce 12-Hour Shutdown to Mark ‘Black Day’ on October 15

Manipur’s proscribed organizations, including the Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK), Coordination Committee (CorCom), and Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA), have declared a 12-hour shutdown across the state on October 15. This shutdown coincides with the observance of “Amamba Numit” or Black Day, which commemorates Manipur’s merger with the Indian Union in 1949.

The participating groups have labeled this day as ‘Black Day’ to protest against what they describe as “historical injustice,” political marginalization, and ongoing human rights violations experienced by the people of Manipur. They aim to highlight their grievances and draw attention to the challenges faced by the state.

While the shutdown will affect normal business operations, essential services such as medical care, emergency services, and religious activities will be exempt from the strike. The groups have expressed frustration over the central government’s inability to address the ethnic violence that has beset Manipur since May 2023, pointing to the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 1958 as a persistent reminder of the state’s struggles.

In their demands, the proscribed organizations have called for the restoration of Manipur’s sovereignty, seeking recognition and redress for the historical injustices they believe have been inflicted upon the region and its people.