Statewide shutdown called by rebel groups cripples normal life in Manipur

Normal life across Manipur came to a standstill today as various armed rebel groups called a total shutdown opposing the Merger of Manipur (Kangleipak) with the Indian Union. The strike paralysed all activities across the state, bringing daily life to a complete halt.
The shutdown was called to mark September 21, 1949, the day Maharajah Bodhachandra signed the controversial Merger Agreement, which formally made Manipur a part of India. Rebel groups continue to reject the merger, terming it null and void and an annexation that violated both international and domestic laws.
Shops, markets, business establishments, banks, private offices, and educational institutions—including schools, colleges, and universities—remained closed. Except for police and government vehicle, Public and private transport vehicles stayed off the roads, while entertainment venues and other commercial activities were completely suspended. Government offices also wore a deserted look with minimal attendance.
The Coordination Committee (CorCom), Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK), Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA), Kangleipak, and other insurgent groups jointly called the general strike and total shutdown, observing the day as “Black Day.”
CorCom enforced a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shutdown, observing it as its annual National Black Day. SOREPA announced a 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. general strike, while ASUK also called for a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. total shutdown, urging citizens to suspend all public and private work in remembrance of those who resisted the 1949 merger.
Essential services such as medical emergencies, media, and religious functions were exempted from the purview of the shutdown.
The groups reiterated their rejection of the merger, asserting that Manipur was a fully sovereign state at the time of India’s independence in 1947.
The impact was widespread, with major roads across both the valley and hill districts wearing a deserted look. Only essential service vehicles were seen moving.
To prevent any untoward incident, security forces were deployed at strategic points across the state. No incidents of violence were reported till the time of filing this report.