Businesses, educational institutions in Manipur to remain shut today as Meiteis, Kuki-Zomi bodies call for bandh

• NEW DELHI — Businesses and educational institutions in Manipur will remain shut on Saturday as Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi bodies have called for a bandh to mark the second anniversary of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023.
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• Student organisations representing the Kuki-Zomi community have announced a complete shutdown of educational institutions and business establishments in parts of Manipur on Saturday.
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• According to the two student bodies, the Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Saturday will be observed in silence as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives and were displaced during the conflict.
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• They have urged residents in Kuki-dominated areas to participate in the shutdown and hoist black flags at their homes as a symbol of mourning. The student bodies also called for hoisting black flags at the respective residences of all.

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• The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has also planned a commemorative event titled 'Separation Day' to be held in Churachandpur district headquarters.
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• Simultaneously, in the Imphal Valley, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing Meitei civil society interests, has called for a public observance by halting all daily activities and attending the Manipur People’s Convention scheduled in the state capital, Imphal.
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• Tensions in Manipur remain high as security forces have increased their presence across the state to prevent any untoward incidents during the anniversary.
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• Since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, over 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the ongoing conflict between the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zomi tribes.
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• Earlier this year, the political situation dramatically changed when Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid mounting pressure.
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• The state has since been placed under President’s Rule, and the Manipur Legislative Assembly remains under suspended animation, although its term is set to run until 2027.