Manipur's Shutdown: Protests Erupt Over Recent Child Killings Amid Ongoing Ethnic Tensions
Protests Disrupt Daily Life in Manipur
Imphal: On Monday, life in several districts of Manipur was significantly disrupted due to two separate shutdowns initiated by various groups protesting the tragic deaths of two children and a couple of civilians, allegedly at the hands of militants earlier this month, according to officials.
Schools and markets remained closed, and public transportation was halted across all five valley districts, which are predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, as well as in the Naga-populated regions of Ukhrul and Senapati.
Demonstrations against these killings took place in multiple locations within the Imphal valley, including Uripok and Nagaram.
The women's group Meira Paibis initiated a five-day shutdown starting Sunday in response to a bomb attack on April 7 in Bishnupur district, which resulted in the deaths of a 5-year-old boy and his 6-month-old sister while they were asleep, with their mother sustaining injuries.
During protests related to this incident, three individuals lost their lives, and approximately 30 others were injured when a mob attacked a nearby CRPF camp.
Additionally, the United Naga Council declared a three-day 'total shutdown' commencing Monday to protest the deaths of a retired Army officer and another civilian, who were shot by suspected militants while traveling in a convoy from Imphal to Ukhrul on April 18.
This incident occurred shortly after Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited the Tangkhul Naga-majority hill district, urging for peace and dialogue among Kuki and Naga communities.
A group of lawyers gathered outside the Cheirap Court complex in Uripok on Monday, organized by the Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association of Manipur.
Khaidem Mani, a former chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, expressed to the media that the legal community vehemently condemns the Tronglaobi incident and insists on thorough combing operations to apprehend those responsible.
He emphasized that merely transferring the case to the NIA is insufficient; the government must take decisive action.
The Chief Minister has opted to assign the investigation of both incidents to the NIA.
Mani also called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths of three individuals during the firing incident involving security personnel when a mob of around 500 stormed the CRPF camp.
Since May 2023, ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in the deaths of at least 260 individuals and left thousands homeless, primarily involving conflicts between the valley-dwelling Meiteis and the Kukis residing in the hill districts.
Following ongoing ethnic strife and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, President's Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, and was lifted nearly a year later on February 4.