Bandh affects normal life in Manipur’s capital Imphal

• IMPHAL — Normal life in Manipur’s capital Imphal came to a grinding halt for the second day on Monday due to bandh protesting the arrest of Arambai Tenggol volunteers, including leader Asem Kanan.
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• The bandh, which began late Saturday night, was followed by the imposition of Section 144 and curfew in five districts.
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• All shops in major markets in the state capital including the iconic Nupi Keithel, a women’s market, and other periphery markets remained closed due to the ongoing unrest.

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• The situation brought Imphal and other parts of the state to a standstill, with passenger vehicles off the roads. Government offices were also impacted, with poor attendance for the second consecutive day.
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• The valley districts remain tense, with protesters escalating their demonstrations and demanding the immediate release of the detained Arambai Tenggol volunteers.
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• Protesters clashed with security forces at multiple locations on Saturday and Sunday nights, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds. Around 20 people have been injured so far.
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• According to local media reports, 12 Arambai Tenggol volunteers, including the four arrested with commander Kanan on Saturday, were released unconditionally on Sunday.