Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday appealed to civil society organisations and the public to withdraw the ongoing five-day shutdown, citing its impact on public welfare and normal life.
The appeal came on the second day of the shutdown, called by various civil society groups and a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in protest against the killing of two children at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district on April 7. The protesters have been demanding, among other things, the arrest of those responsible for the incident.
The Chief Minister said the state government has taken note of the demands raised and is addressing them with seriousness. He added that most of the demands put forward by the JAC in connection with the Tronglaobi incident have been accepted.
Urging people to maintain calm and extend cooperation, the Chief Minister said shutdowns cause hardship to daily wage earners and disrupt essential services. He emphasised the need to uphold peace, unity and a sense of collective responsibility.
Referring to the incident, the Chief Minister said the government has held multiple rounds of discussions with the JAC and acknowledged the concerns raised by the public. He said steps have been initiated to support the bereaved family, including a proposal to provide suitable state government jobs to both parents of the deceased children.