Imphal, Oct. 14 -- Several banned insurgent groups have called for a statewide shutdown in Manipur on Thursday, October 15, to observe what they call "National Black Day" and protest the state's 1949 merger with India.

In a press statement, National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) information and publicity secretary Sanajoaba Meitei described the date as a turning point that marked the loss of Manipur's political independence.

The outfit urged the public, intellectuals, civil society organisations and educational institutions to observe the day.

It also called for nationwide discussions on the historical and political circumstances surrounding the 1949 merger, which it claims continue to influence political discourse in the state...