Naga talks: Manipur body steps up protests

IMPHAL: Stepping up its campaign to protect Manipur's integrity in the backdrop of the final phase of NSCN(I-M)-Centre peace talks, the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has resolved to cut off all communication with the government and intensify its ongoing stir. COCOMI is a conglomerate of five prominent civil bodies of the state.

Responding to the call, widespread protests were held across the valley districts on Friday amid deployment of state and central paramilitary forces at various strategic parts of the twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West. Students of Johnstone Higher Secondary School in Imphal city formed human chain along BT road near the school's gate, while several local clubs and women folk staged protest demonstrations by occupying half of their respective roads.

The agitation started after the state government failed to make the points of agreement reached between NSCN (I-M) and the Centre public, Sunil Karam, coordinator of COCOMI, said.

He also charged the state government of not paying heed to COCOMI's repeated appeals to convene a special assembly session and pass resolutions to protect Manipur's integrity.

As part of its line of agitation, COCOMI also decided to boycott the upcoming Sangai festival.