Shutdowns Paralyse Manipur; Tensions reported across Hill and Valley Districts

Normal life across Manipur remained severely disrupted today as multiple shutdowns enforced by civil society groups and the United Naga Council (UNC) brought both hill and valley districts to a near standstill.
The three-day total shutdown called by the UNC in hill districts, in protest against the killing of civilians along the Imphal–Ukhrul road allegedly by suspected Kuki armed militants, coincided with a five-day shutdown imposed by various civil society organisations (CSOs) in the valley. The CSOs are protesting the killing of minors at Tronglaobi as well as the deaths of Tangkhul civilians along the Imphal–Ukhrul road.
Tension was reported from several locations during the course of the shutdown. At Chagoubung in Kangpokpi district, a brief confrontation occurred between shutdown volunteers and security personnel, leading to a standoff that caused concern among local residents. The situation, however, was brought under control by the authorities.
In Yaingangpokpi, groups of women came out onto the Imphal–Ukhrul road and blocked vehicular movement in support of the UNC’s shutdown. A tense situation was also reported at T. Khullen, located between Kangpokpi and Mayangkhang, around 10 am.
Shutdown measures were strictly enforced in multiple hill areas, including Chandel district headquarters and along routes from Lambung via Analkhullen to Chakpikarong subdivision. Kanglatombi also observed a complete shutdown, condemning the recent ambush incident linked to the Ukhrul killings. Reports of clashes between shutdown supporters and security forces emerged from areas between Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
In the valley districts, large groups of women staged road blockades at several key locations. At Kwakeithel in Imphal West, protesters blocked the Tiddim road, while in Thoubal district, women halted traffic along the Indo-Myanmar road. Most roads in Imphal and other valley areas remained deserted, with public transport off the roads and commercial establishments shut. Protestors also blocked road in Khongman Manzil in Imphal East and Sagoldband Bijoy Gobinda in Imphal West district.
Markets functioned only briefly in the early morning hours, with vendors closing shops by around 8 am. Educational institutions, offices, and banks remained largely closed.
Although government employees were instructed to maintain mandatory attendance, normal functioning was affected, with some offices reportedly locked by protestors.
On Monday night, a large protest demonstration was held along Mayai Lambi in Imphal West. The rally, which began from Langthabal and proceeded towards Keishamthong, was initially peaceful but later escalated after more participants gathered. Security forces intervened and fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the crowd after the protesters were stopped.
Tension continues to remain high in both hill and valley districts.