Manipur violence takes toll on co-ops; branch of state co-op bank torched

The escalating violence and unrest in Manipur have taken a toll on the cooperative sector, as a series of attacks on cooperative institutions have sent shockwaves through the state.

In the last few days, the news of attacks on cooperative institutions have been pouring in. There was news about the attack on the Churachandpur branch of Manipur State Cooperative Bank where the ‘Kuku Militants’ looted the bank.

Meanwhile, Manipur State Cooperative Union representative Ms Jeena Potsangbam has come all the way to Delhi seeking the help for co-ops in Manipur. She met NCUI President Dileepbhai Sanghani and apprised him of the situation.

On the sidelines of the meeting with Sanghani, talking to Indian Cooperative Potsangbam said, “Cooperatives in Manipur are facing a big loss due to violence. The two field projects of the NCUI and the self-help groups are suffering due to this”.

“The attacks have not only disrupted the day-to-day operations of cooperatives but have also posed significant threats to the lives and safety of cooperative staff members. There is an urgent need to safeguard the cooperative sector and it should be done with collective efforts of the government, cooperative leaders and others”, she asserted.

Manipur State Cooperative Bank DGM said, “We are also facing a lot of problems due to the violence. One of our branches at Churachandpur was looted by the militants and around 11.77 lakh cash was looted”.

“Besides, computers, CCTV cameras, Guard licensed guns, counting machines and others were looted. We have 13 branches in Manipur but only 12 are functional out of which three branches have been shut down due to the violence. Our bank employees are carrying out their duties in this risky environment”, he added.

In his comment, Sahakar Bharati Manipur unit President Khundrakpam Ramanando said, “All the sectors including co-operatives are facing a lot of difficulties. There are around 12,000 co-ops in Manipur and three multi state co-ops. The cooperatives in Manipur play an important role in various economic activities of the state”, he added.

It bears recall that more than 37000 people have been moved to 272 relief camps. The clashes first broke out on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, read a media report.