Imphal, Sep 1: The faculty and students of the Institute of Cooperative Management recently staged a sit-in protest against the huge monetary demands of some underground groups in the state.

"I and also the people of Manipur do not agree with these anti-social activities. Everyone hates this culture of fear that has gripped the state. I would like to appeal to the militants to stop such activities," said Kh. Pranjit Singh, a student.

Brojendra, another student added, "Militant activities taking place in Manipur are not good. They are ruining the student''s career and time is being wasted. We are not able to pick up the required skills. I feel this is not good."

The institute has been a pioneer in providing services and empowering thousands of women and students through self-help groups formation, management training, computer and IT training not only from Manipur, but from other northeastern states as well. 

The threats from militants to the institute have affected the staff and officials who are thinking of closing down the institute. This would be a great loss for the state.

"If such demands and threats keep on happening, one day we may have to close the institute. That is a very big loss for Manipur because this institute caters to the training needs of not only Manipur, but Nagaland, Mizoram, other northeastern states. They are ready to take it back if the situation is not cordial here. They''ll call us out there. So who is the loser? The people of Manipur are the losers," said Mamta Rajkumari, a staff of the institute.

This is not the first time the institute has been plagued by such demands. There have been instances when several militant outfits have issued threats to the institute.

"If this demand is not withdrawn from our institute, we will suffer. We cannot give any amount because we have no other means," said KH. Borkeshwor Singh, Chairman, NCUI.

What is worrying the people is that if such militant activities continue then no new institutes will come up. On the other hand, Meghalaya is setting an example for other northeastern states by hosting NIFT, IIM and several other prestigious institutes. (ANI)