Manipur has been paralysed by simultaneous shutdowns initiated by several organisations in response to recent tragedies, leading to significant disruption across its valley and hill districts. Reports indicate that on Monday, large areas, particularly the five Meitei-dominated valley districts and Naga-inhabited regions of Ukhrul and Senapati, witnessed a complete halt in educational institutions, markets, and public transport services.

The Meira Paibis, a prominent women’s group, began a five-day protest on Sunday, inciting the shutdown in the valley. This movement was sparked by a tragic incident on April 7, when a blast in Tronglaobi village resulted in the deaths of a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister while they were asleep, injuring their mother in the process. The shocking nature of this event has led to widespread public outrage and protests, some of which escalated into violence.

During one such protest, at least three individuals lost their lives, and approximately thirty others sustained injuries when security forces reportedly opened fire after a crowd stormed a Central Reserve Police Force camp, highlighting the heightened tensions in the region.

Shutdown in Hill Districts Following Convoy Attack

In the hill districts, the United Naga Council imposed a three-day “total shutdown” beginning on Monday in response to an attack that occurred on April 18. This attack involved suspected militants firing on a convoy of civilian vehicles in the Ukhrul district. The assault resulted in the deaths of a retired Army personnel and another civilian at TM Kasom village, occurring shortly after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s visit to appeal for peaceful dialogue in the Tangkhul Naga-majority area.

This violent incident has deepened existing tensions in a region already fraught with conflict, prompting calls for peace and a return to normalcy among various community leaders. The implications of such attacks are substantial, maintaining a high level of precariousness in the ongoing situation.

Both shutdowns and protests have elicited responses from community leaders and legal professionals who seek action to address the unrest, contributing to the growing demand for a resolution to these ongoing conflicts.

Legal Community and Political Reactions

As turmoil continues, members of the legal community rallied outside the Cheirap Court complex, representing the Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association of Manipur. Their protest was fueled by outrage over the Bishnupur attack, which claimed three lives. Khaidem Mani, former chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, emphasised the need for enhanced efforts to capture the culprits and called for a judicial inquiry into the recent violent clashes.

The Manipur state government has reportedly decided to refer both the incidents—the explosion in Bishnupur and the shooting in Ukhrul—to the National Investigation Agency, reflecting a serious approach towards accountability and investigation.

In the political landscape, the Congress party has been vocal about the ongoing violence, accusing the central government of failing to restore order. Inner Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam stated that the party submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the governor, urging immediate action for investigations into the recent deaths and calling for a dialogue among stakeholders to pave the way for peace.

Akoijam highlighted that the conflicts in Manipur have persisted for nearly three years, lamenting the adequacy of the government’s response as insufficient and emphasising the pressing need for corrective measures and support for the communities affected.

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