Imphal: Twin shutdowns called by civil society organizations representing the Naga and Meitei communities brought normal life to a standstill across Manipur on Tuesday, prompting Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to renew his appeal for calm and peaceful coexistence.
The state remained cut off by road from the rest of the country for the third consecutive day due to a five-day total shutdown that began on Saturday.
In the valley districts, several civil society groups and a Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed in protest against the killing of two children, enforced the bandh. They are demanding the arrest of those responsible for the April 7 killings at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district.
In the hill districts, the United Naga Council and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur jointly launched a three-day shutdown from midnight of April 20 to protest the killing of two Naga civilians at TM Kasom along NH-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul road) on April 18.
The twin shutdowns severely disrupted daily life, with markets, business establishments, educational institutions, fuel stations, and banks remaining closed.
Major markets in Imphal — including Khwairambam Bazar, Paona Market, Thangal Market, Bir Tikendrajit Market, and Ima Market — wore a deserted look as shops remained shuttered. Public transport, along with inter-state and inter-district vehicle services, also stayed off the roads.
Despite Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel directing government employees to attend office, attendance in state offices was reportedly thin.
Amid the tense situation, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, while inaugurating the Block Development Office at Wangjing Tentha CD Block in Thoubal district, reiterated his call for peace talks. He said dialogue must begin only when minds are calm and cool.
He also voiced concern over the uncertain future of children if violence continues and urged efforts to bridge the trust deficit between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities.
The Chief Minister said every community has both good and bad elements, but ordinary citizens and innocent children all yearn for peace.