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Special NIA Court Designated in Churachandpur

On Thursday, a session court in Churachandpur, Manipur, was designated as a special NIA court to handle cases related to ethnic violence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting the investigation into these incidents. According to a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the court of the District and Sessions Judge in Churachandpur has been appointed as a special court under Section 11 of the NIA Act, 2008 (Act No. 34 of 2008). The NIA has taken over three significant cases linked to the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, including the abduction and murder of six women and children in Jiribam, along with other violent occurrences.

Impact of Strike in Imphal Valley

In a separate incident, a 48-hour strike called by the Manipur Integrity Coordination Committee (Kokomi) disrupted daily life in the Imphal Valley on Thursday. This strike was in response to the alleged action by a military unit that obscured the 'Manipur State Transport' sign on a government bus. Shops, schools, government offices, and public transport services were closed in five districts predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community: Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Bishnupur, and Thoubal. While protesters blocked roads, burned tires, and staged demonstrations, the protests remained peaceful. Security measures were heightened in sensitive areas, and vehicles heading to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul were allowed to operate.

Symbolic Protest by Women in Bishnupur

In Bishnupur district, female protesters symbolically retaliated by placing stickers reading 'Manipur and Kanglipak' on the vehicles of central forces. Kanglipak is the ancient name for Manipur.

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