Imphal: Severe disruptions have been reported in Manipur due to multiple simultaneous shutdowns called by various ethnic organisations, creating a “triple bandh” situation that crippled daily life on Wednesday.
The situation is characterised by a 13-hour shutdown in the Zo-Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district, a three-day shutdown in Naga-inhabited hill areas, and a five-day shutdown in the valley, resulting in protest-related blockades that have paralysed normal life.
A 13-hour shutdown brought normal life to a halt in southern Churachandpur district on Wednesday. Zomi groups and allied organisations pressed for action over the death of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who died on February 20, 2026, at a hospital in Gurugram, months after being injured in a mob attack on May 4, 2023.
The shutdown, backed by Kuki civil society bodies and Hmar groups, ended at 6 pm.
Simultaneously, a three-day shutdown called by Naga civil bodies in protest against the killing of two Nagas entered its second day on Wednesday, resulting in blockades on national highways, protests, and restricted movement in hill districts, particularly in Naga-populated areas such as Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong, Noney, and Kamjong.
In the valley districts, women’s groups (Meira Paibis) and other civil society organisations launched a five-day total shutdown to protest the killing of two children in a bomb attack in Bishnupur.
Shops, schools, offices, and commercial establishments remained closed, while public transport stayed off the roads. The shutdown disrupted normal life in 12 of 16 districts of Manipur on April 22, officials said.
Key national highways in the hill districts have been blocked, hindering the transport of goods. Security forces have intensified patrolling, and in some areas, authorities have deployed anti-drone systems to manage the situation, reports added.