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Imphal: The simmering heat of ethnic violence in Manipur, along with the growing resentment among various communities, is now spilling onto the streets. On Wednesday, normal life was thrown into complete disarray across 12 of Manipur's 16 districts due to a shutdown called by various ethnic organizations within the state.
Impact of Five-Day Shutdown in the Five Valley Districts
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called for a five-day shutdown in protest against a bomb attack that occurred on April 7 at Tronglaobi in the Bishnupur district. The attack claimed the lives of two innocent children. This shutdown is having a widespread impact across all five districts of the Imphal Valley. In key areas such as Sagolband and Patsoi in Imphal West, protesters have blocked the roads. With traffic coming to a complete standstill, residents have been forced to remain confined within their homes.
Three-Day Total Shutdown in Naga-Dominated Areas
Alongside the valley, the situation remains tense in the state's hill districts as well. Today marked the second day of a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council. This shutdown was called in protest against the killing of two Tangkhul Naga individuals in the Ukhrul district on April 18. The impact of this shutdown has been clearly visible across the six Naga-dominated hill districts. In the Noney district and at Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East, supporters of the shutdown completely blocked road access, causing significant disruption even to the movement of central security forces.
Demand for Justice for MLA Valte in Churachandpur
Meanwhile, the situation in the Churachandpur district was no different. Under the aegis of the Zomi Coordination Committee, various organizations called for a 13-hour shutdown. This protest was staged to demand justice for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vungzagin Valte. It is noteworthy that in May 2023, at the onset of the ethnic violence, a violent mob launched a life-threatening attack on Valte, leaving him critically injured. Following a prolonged period of treatment, he passed away this past February at a private hospital in Gurugram.
Business Comes to a Standstill
The impact of the shutdown in the affected districts was so profound that schools, colleges, banks, and private establishments remained completely closed. The markets wore a deserted look, and public transport vehicles were conspicuously absent from the roads. Only pharmacies and emergency services were exempted.
