Triple shutdowns paralyze normal life across Manipur

Normal life across Manipur came to a grinding halt on Wednesday as three parallel shutdowns were enforced simultaneously in the valley and hill districts, intensifying the already volatile situation in the state.
The five-day total shutdown in the valley districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur entered its fourth day, demanding justice for two children killed in an RPG attack and accountability for three persons who died in CRPF firing during subsequent protests. Markets, schools, colleges and public transport remained closed, while protest rallies continued across the valley. Security forces resorted to tear gas and mock bombs to disperse a massive rally at Wangkhei in Imphal East, resulting in minor injuries but no major untoward incidents. In the hill districts, the United Naga Council (UNC) enforced a three-day total shutdown in Naga-dominated areas, including Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati, Tamenglong, Noney and parts of Chandel and Tengnoupal. The strike was called to protest the killing of two Tangkhul Naga civilians in an ambush by suspected Kuki militants on April 18. Road blockades were imposed across national highways, leading to tense stand-offs between protesters and security forces at Senapati (NH-2), Noney (NH-37) and Ukhrul (NH-202). In one instance, Assam Rifles vehicles were halted in Noney district headquarters, while Central forces faced resistance at Yaingangpokpi Bazar along NH-202.
Meanwhile, in Churachandpur district, Zomi civil society groups enforced a 13-hour shutdown from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., demanding justice for late BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a mob attack in May 2023. The strike brought daily activities to a standstill, with shops, schools, offices and even pharmacies closed. A candlelight vigil was held in Lamka town in Valte’s memory, reflecting the emotional weight of the demand.
The Manipur government, in response to the escalating crisis, invited the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) for a “high-level” meeting with a delegation led by the state home minister and two MLAs. The invitation, conveyed by Chief Minister’s secretary Neilengthang Telien, sought dialogue to address the prevailing unrest. However, COCOMI leaders stated that a decision would be taken only after consulting their executive members. The apex body also announced that its boycott of BJP MLAs and ministers on Khongjom Day, April 23, would continue, citing the government’s failure to fulfil assurances made to the public.
Despite the widespread shutdowns, enforcement remained largely peaceful, with strike supporters allowing only medical emergencies and essential services to pass through roadblocks. Still, the cumulative effect of the triple shutdowns severely disrupted daily life across the state, leaving markets deserted, educational institutions closed and public movement restricted.
The situation remains tense and highly sensitive, with the shutdowns underscoring deep-seated grievances among different communities. As Manipur grapples with overlapping demands for justice, accountability and recognition, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether dialogue between the government and civil society groups can ease the unrest or whether the shutdowns will further entrench divisions across the state.
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