Normal life across Manipur has been severely disrupted following the imposition of a five-day statewide shutdown called by Meira Paibis and various civil society organisations (CSOs), which came into effect from midnight on Saturday.
In Imphal, roads wore a deserted look on Sunday, with only a handful of vehicles seen plying. Groups of women protestors were visible at several locations, blocking roads and restricting vehicular movement. Commercial vehicles remained off the roads, while shops, business establishments and roadside vendors stayed shut, contributing to a near-total shutdown in the valley areas.
The blockade was announced during a meeting of Meira Paibis and CSO representatives held at the residence of Oinam Mangal Singh in Bishnupur district. The agitation is being spearheaded in connection with demands for justice over the killing of two minors, an incident that has triggered widespread public outrage.
Earlier, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the case had stated that it had reached an understanding with the state government, which reportedly assured that the demands placed by the JAC would be fulfilled. However, in a fresh development on Saturday, the JAC added a new condition, setting a deadline of April 25 for the arrest of those responsible for the killing.
The renewed demand appears to have intensified public pressure, leading to the current blockade despite the earlier agreement. Protestors have maintained that failure to take timely and concrete action against the accused has compelled them to escalate their agitation.
The blockade has once again brought daily life to a standstill, raising concerns over the prolonged instability and its impact on the public.