Imphal: A five-day total shutdown called in Manipur by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and Meira Paibis (women’s group), following the killing of two minors in a bomb attack on April 7, evoked a mixed response on the first day on Sunday.
The shutdown, which has caused widespread disruptions and protests across several valley districts, will continue till April 25. It began at midnight on Saturday.
The shutdown had a significant impact on the Manipur valley districts, including Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, and Moirang Bazaar.
Despite strict security measures in all vulnerable locations, the morning market in the heart of Imphal city functioned as usual on the first day of the shutdown.
During the shutdown, petrol was being sold in the black market at rates ranging from Rs 120 to 140 per litre.
Multiple reports confirmed ongoing agitation, including roadblocks, burnt tyres, and arson incidents, affecting daily operations in Manipur, particularly along the Bishnupur–Imphal corridor. Public transport remained off the roads, and businesses were shut.
Several vehicles carrying essential goods from neighbouring states were reported stranded. Imphal has been largely cut off from the rest of the country by road, although flight services continued as usual amid tight security.
Oinam Mangalnganba, the father of the two children killed in the bomb attack, said he wants the government to swiftly arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice by awarding them the “death penalty”.
The state government has handed over the case related to the killing of two minors in Tronglaobi of Bishnupur district on May 7 to the National Investigation Agency. Efforts are also underway to arrest the culprits.
The JAC and other agitating groups have issued several demands, including the arrest of all perpetrators linked to the attack, a military crackdown on suspected Kuki militants, replacement of central forces with state forces in peripheral areas, and a judicial inquiry into the role of specific security units.
Meanwhile, officials stated that strict security measures are being implemented in all vulnerable locations, and security convoys are being provided along sensitive stretches to ensure the free and safe movement of vehicles.
Essential services, including media, medical, fire services, water supply, and religious ceremonies, have been exempted from the purview of the shutdown.