Tensions flared in the heart of Imphal city on Wednesday after a district-level eviction drive at Thangal Bazaar met with strong resistance from local shopkeepers, leading to the closure of all shops in protest. The Imphal West District Administration had launched the drive as part of its broader initiative to remove encroachments from government roads and public spaces.
Officials from the district administration, supported by personnel from the police and municipal bodies, began the eviction operation early in the day. The move aimed to reclaim portions of public roads that have reportedly been encroached upon by temporary and semi-permanent structures, including extended shop fronts, sheds, and makeshift stalls.
However, as the team began dismantling structures identified as encroachments, shop owners in Thangal Bazaar shut down their businesses and staged a collective protest. They argued that the eviction process was carried out without adequate prior notice or consultation, claiming that many families depended on these establishments for their livelihood.
The protesting traders accused the authorities of acting in a “high-handed” manner and demanded that a proper rehabilitation or adjustment plan be put in place before any further demolition is carried out. They also expressed concerns over the impact of the drive on small and medium businesses that form the commercial backbone of the historic Thangal Bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the state capital.
In response, the district administration clarified that notices had been served earlier and that multiple reminders were issued, urging the encroachers to remove unauthorised extensions. Officials maintained that the drive is part of a larger state-wide campaign to clear illegal occupations on public land, ease traffic congestion, and restore civic order.
A senior official from the Imphal West District Administration stated, “The eviction is being carried out in accordance with the law. Several public spaces and roads have been narrowed due to unauthorised constructions. This affects not only traffic flow but also emergency services and overall public convenience. We are open to dialogue, but illegal encroachments cannot be allowed to continue.”
Security forces were deployed to prevent any escalation of the situation, and the eviction work was temporarily halted in the afternoon as shopkeepers intensified their protest by gathering in groups along the market lanes. No reports of violence or physical confrontation were reported, although the atmosphere remained tense.
Meanwhile, the district administration has reiterated its resolve to continue the anti-encroachment drive in a phased manner across other parts of Imphal. Authorities have appealed for public cooperation and have assured that all necessary legal and humanitarian considerations will be observed during the process.
As the situation unfolds, many in the city are watching closely to see how the government balances its efforts to enforce civic regulations with the concerns of small traders struggling to recover from recent economic disruptions.