Manipur witnessed widespread disruption of normal life today as a 48-hour statewide general strike called by the Native People Committee Manipur (NPCM) over the killing of three Meitei civilians brought markets, educational institutions and business establishments to a standstill across the valley districts.
The shutdown, which began at midnight, followed the killing of three firewood collectors and injuries to three others in an attack at the Sunurok hills along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district periphery. The incident has triggered fresh public anger, with protesters questioning the government’s repeated assurances of a return to normalcy while civilians continue to face deadly violence.
Public transport remained largely off the roads, while only a few private vehicles were seen plying in several areas. Most markets, schools, colleges and commercial establishments remained closed in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts, leaving roads deserted and business activity severely curtailed.
NPCM members staged protests and blocked roads at several locations in Imphal East and Imphal West, raising slogans against the killings and demanding accountability. The protesters also called for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and demanded decisive action against the armed groups allegedly responsible for the attack.
The anger was directed not only at the latest killings but also at the continuing gap between official claims of improved security and the reality confronting civilians in vulnerable areas. Protesters questioned how the government could claim that normalcy was returning when people collecting firewood could still come under attack.
“Just stopping firing for some months does not mean there is peace in the state. The state government should think about bringing lasting peace. If they can’t do it, please step down on moral grounds,” protesters said.
The agitation had gathered momentum on Monday night, when tyres were reportedly burnt on roads at Kwakeithel and Chingmeirong in Imphal West district and Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East. Security was tightened in and around the state capital as a precautionary measure.
A police officer said no untoward incident had been reported during the morning, although demonstrations and road blockades were reported from several locations.
The ongoing ethnic conflict, which erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki community in the hills, has claimed at least 306 lives, with 49 people still missing and thousands displaced.
More recently, clashes involving Kuki and Naga communities have added another layer of concern to an already volatile situation with the number of killings reaching nearly 70 since February this year.