Manipur's Shutdown: What Sparked the Protests and How It Affects Daily Life

Severe Disruptions in Manipur Due to Shutdowns

Imphal: A shutdown initiated by various ethnic groups has significantly disrupted daily activities across 12 out of 16 districts in Manipur, as reported by officials on Wednesday.

The ongoing five-day shutdown, organized by a Joint Action Committee (JAC), has particularly impacted all five valley districts. This protest is in response to a bomb attack on April 7 in Bishnupur district that resulted in the tragic deaths of two children.

Officials noted that road blockades were evident in several locations, including Sagolband and Patsoi in Imphal West district, as part of the ongoing protests.

Additionally, the Naga-inhabited regions in six hill districts faced disruptions on the second day of a three-day total shutdown called by the United Naga Council.

This shutdown is a reaction to the ambush on April 18 that led to the deaths of two Tangkhul Naga individuals in Ukhrul district.

Protesters also obstructed roads in Noney district and Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East, hindering the movement of central security forces, according to officials.

In Churachandpur district, a 13-hour shutdown organized by various groups under the Zomi Coordination Committee further affected daily life. This protest aimed to seek justice for BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte.

Valte had sustained severe injuries during a mob attack at the beginning of ethnic violence in May 2023 and was receiving treatment. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, leading to his death in a private hospital in Gurugram in February.

Throughout the affected districts, schools, banks, markets, and most businesses remained closed, with public transportation largely absent from the roads.

Only pharmacies continued to operate in many areas, while government offices saw minimal attendance, leaving the streets eerily quiet.