Manipur government orders action against absent staff during shutdown as protests continue over Bishnupur attack and violence across districts
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IMPHAL — Manipur government has directed all departments to take action against employees absent from duty without authorised leave during the ongoing shutdown called by civil society organisations.
In an order issued on Sunday, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel instructed administrative secretaries and heads of departments to ensure attendance in offices despite the bandh calls. Departments have also been asked to submit attendance reports and initiate disciplinary proceedings against those found absent without valid permission.
Deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure normal functioning of offices across districts and to monitor staff attendance strictly.
The directive comes in the wake of a five-day shutdown beginning midnight of April 19, called by civil society groups, including women’s organisations, in protest against a bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7 that killed two children and critically injured their mother. Subsequent protests over the incident turned violent, leaving three more civilians dead the same day.
Also read: Manipur shutdowns hit life in both valley, hill regions; 21 arrested after violence
On Monday, the second day of the shutdown, markets, commercial centres and educational institutions remained closed across affected districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal. Key market areas such as Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, MG Avenue and the iconic Nupi Keithel wore a deserted look.
Vehicular movement was minimal as transport services remained suspended, while roads leading to Imphal city were largely empty. Essential services continued in a limited capacity, with security heightened in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.
Earlier, State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had appealed to civil society groups to withdraw the shutdown in the interest of public welfare and normalcy.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council has also called a separate three-day shutdown from midnight of April 20 to April 23 across Naga-inhabited areas, protesting the April 18 killing of two civilians in an ambush in Ukhrul district.