7 hours Ago By Kangkan Kalita
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman (File photo) GUWAHTI: Manipur’s restive hills resonated with disquiet on Sunday amid the silence of an indefinite shutdown called by the Kuki-Zo Council in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl and other tribal-dominant areas after weekend clashes with security personnel left a Kuki protester dead and over 20 injured. The shutdown since Saturday night, supported by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), was called in protest against the crackdown on Kuki tribals opposed to the resumption of civilian traffic between the hills and the valley after more than 18 months. The Kuki-Zo Council and ITLF are also sticking to their demand for a separate administration for the hill districts.
Traffic suspended The clashes occurred in Kangpokpi when protesters tried to block vehicular movement between the valley and hills, defying home minister Amit Shah 's recent directive to restore free movement. FM to table Manipur budget today, Shah to seek Prez rule nod The Centre last month placed Manipur under President’s rule after the resignation of beleaguered CM N Biren Singh. Also, the Centre is expected to bring the controversial Waqf bill for passage, which is being opposed by the entire opposition.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju has indicated that govt was in favour of early passage of the Waqf bill on which NDA allies have pledged support. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is to table the budget for Manipur on Monday, which has been under President’s rule since Feb 13. Home minister Amit Shah is expected to move a resolution seeking Parliament’s approval for proclamation of President’s rule in the state.
The three-language policy and delimitation have become contentious in the south, with states banding together to question the Centre. Trump’s disparaging statements about India’s tariffs, and his recent announcement that India has agreed to lower tariffs, have elicited strong statements from Congress about the interests of India’s farmers and manufacturers. The party has demanded that the prime minister take Parliament into confidence on the discussions with the US about the proposed trade deal.
At the same time, the opposition will corner govt over the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers, which has become controversial after the claims by Trinamool Congress in West Bengal..
