IMPHAL, Oct 31 - Normal life in almost all parts of Manipur was hit today due to the �cease work� protest staged under the aegis of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a joint body of major civil society organisations of the State.
The protest was called to highlight the need to safeguard the State�s interests and territory amid reports of finalisation of the Naga peace deal by the Centre.
Meanwhile, the COCOMI has extended the protest programme till 6 pm tomorrow. Holding placards which read �Give peace, not pieces�, �Bring solution, not problem�, etc., people of the State, particularly in the greater Imphal area, staged a sit-in demonstration, urging the Centre to safeguard the State�s interests.
The roads in the State capital wore a desolate look from dawn to dusk after transport services were suspended for the day. Most government and private offices, besides educational institutions, markets, shops and business establishments, remained closed. Thin attendance was reported at the offices of the Secretariat.
However, the �cease work� protest did not evoke response in some district headquarters.
Meanwhile, a 20-member delegation of all political parties in Manipur, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, is in New Delhi to present the case of Manipur with regard to the ongoing Naga peace talks, before the Centre. The delegation has also submitted a memorandum in this regard. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly assured the delegation that no decision would be taken without consulting all stakeholders in a meeting last evening, sources said.
It may be mentioned here that public rallies for early solution to the problems of the Kukis were also taken out in the Kuki-inhabited areas of Manipur under the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki community.
