Volatile Manipur witnesses Five-day shutdown from today
Imphal: A five-day statewide shutdown began across Manipur on Sunday as women’s groups and civil society organisations intensified protests demanding justice for the Tronglaobi bomb attack, reflecting deepening unrest in the state under New Delhi’s watch.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the shutdown was jointly called by Meira Paibis, various civil society organisations, and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the incident. The attack claimed the lives of two children and their mother, while three protesters also died in subsequent unrest. Meira Paibi leader Chanambam Maipaktombi Devi said the shutdown is in strong condemnation of the incident and to press for immediate action. The groups have set April 25 as the deadline for authorities to arrest all those involved and fulfil JAC demands, warning of intensified agitation if not met. Key demands include the arrest of all perpetrators, a military crackdown on suspected Kuki militants and replacement of Indian central forces with local forces in peripheral areas. Protests have continued day and night across the state.
Observers said the complete shutdown and growing public anger highlight the deteriorating situation in Manipur, with New Delhi’s policies failing to contain ethnic strife and civilian casualties.
