Manipur recorded 523 days of bandhs and blockades, 385 days of internet suspension and 261 days of curfew since May 2023
IMPHAL — Manipur witnessed 523 days of bandhs, shutdowns and economic blockades during the 1,225 days from May 3, 2023, to September 8, 2026, according to official records of the state Home Department.
The records show that the state also experienced 385 days of internet suspension and 261 days under curfew during the period, highlighting the extent of disruption following the outbreak of violence in May 2023.
The period from May 3, 2023, to September 8, 2026, spans three years, four months and six days.
Interestingly, 2026 recorded the highest number of days of bandhs, shutdowns and economic blockades, with 225 days between January and September 8. Of these, 136 days involved bandhs or shutdowns, while economic blockades accounted for 89 days.
In 2023, the state recorded 107 days of bandhs, shutdowns and economic blockades. Of these, 46 days were attributed to bandhs or shutdowns and 61 to economic blockades.
The corresponding figure for 2024 was 113 days, comprising 63 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 50 days of economic blockades.
In 2025, Manipur recorded 78 days of such disruptions — 49 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 29 days of economic blockades.
The figures cover the period after the violence that broke out on May 3, 2023, between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The initial weeks and months of the conflict also saw widespread disruption of transport and movement across the state.
The records show that internet services were suspended in the whole state or parts of it for 385 days between May 3, 2023, and April 4, 2026.
The government cited concerns that social media could be used to circulate images, posts and videos capable of inciting public passions and affecting the law-and-order situation.
The entire state experienced internet suspension for 218 days in 2023.
The latest suspension cited in the records covered Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam and Pherzawl for five days in April 2026. The order revoking the suspension was issued on April 12.
Manipur was placed under curfew, either across the state or in one or more districts, for 261 days between May 3, 2023, and April 9, 2026, according to the records.
The longest period of curfew cited was in Litan village in Ukhrul district, where curfew remained in force for 209 days from February 8 to September 4, 2026.
The data comes amid continuing instances of shutdowns and blockades in the state. In September, organisations have continued to call shutdowns over issues including the Census and NRC, while the United Naga Council has intensified an indefinite economic blockade affecting major highways.
The figures provide a statistical account of the disruptions Manipur has faced since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, covering restrictions on movement, communication and economic activity.