Imphal, Aug. 13 -- The banned underground group Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)-Apunba has called for a 24-hour total shutdown across Manipur on August 15, beginning at midnight on August 14, to boycott the observance of India's Independence Day.

In a statement, the outfit said essential medical emergencies and religious ceremonies would be exempt from the shutdown.

The group linked the proposed shutdown to Patriots' Day, observed in Manipur on August 13 to commemorate those who fought against British forces during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. It appealed to people to visit memorials and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict.

The KCP-Apunba also referred to Manipur's political history, claiming that the state...