Shutdowns and curfew disrupted normal life in Manipur as United Naga Council protests and valley unrest halted transport, markets and public activity.
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IMPHAL — Normal life across Manipur was severely disrupted on Tuesday as overlapping shutdowns in the hills and valley paralysed transport, markets and public activity, even as prohibitory orders were imposed in Kangpokpi sub-division amid concerns over law and order.
A three-day total shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) across Naga-inhabited areas from midnight of April 20 coincided with an ongoing five-day shutdown called by several women’s groups, bringing large parts of the state to a standstill.
In a related development, the district administration in Kangpokpi imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning movement of persons outside their residences from 6 pm on Tuesday, citing threats to public safety and security.
The order, issued by District Magistrate Mahesh Chaudhari, also prohibited the assembly of five or more persons and barred the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms or any potentially dangerous materials. Authorities warned of strict action against violators, while exempting courts, law enforcement agencies and essential services. The order noted that the prevailing situation did not permit prior notice and was enforced in the interest of maintaining public tranquillity.
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The UNC said its shutdown was called to mourn the death of two civilians and as a collective expression of condemnation. The shutdown is scheduled to continue till midnight of April 23.
Though no major untoward incidents were reported in Naga-inhabited districts such as Chandel, Tamenglong and Ukhrul, tension prevailed in adjoining areas of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following a commotion between bandh supporters and villagers over enforcement of the shutdown around 10 am, according to sources.
Markets remained closed, offices and educational institutions were shut, and public movement was minimal across affected hill districts during the shutdown.
The shutdown follows a candlelight vigil held in Ukhrul town, around 80 km northeast of Imphal, on Monday evening, where residents gathered to mourn the killing of two civilians near TM Kasom village along the Imphal–Ukhrul road on April 18.
Meanwhile, in the Imphal valley, the shutdown called by women’s groups entered its third day on Tuesday despite appeals from the government to withdraw the agitation.
The protest was triggered by the April 7 bomb blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, which killed two children and left their mother critically injured. In subsequent violence on the same day, three more civilians were killed.
Shutdown supporters said the agitation would continue until those responsible for the attack are arrested by April 25, warning of intensified protests if their demands are not met.
The impact was visible across Imphal city, where major markets including Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, MG Avenue and Nupi Keithel remained closed. Educational institutions and most transport services were also affected.
Passenger vehicles were off the roads in several areas, while groups of women were seen enforcing the shutdown by blocking roads.
Manipur has been witnessing widespread protests across Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal districts following the April 7 incident.