What is happening in Manipur? Twin shutdowns, protests- here's all we know

Normal life across Manipur’s hill and valley districts has been thrown off track as protests and twin shutdowns intensify after two suspected militant attacks earlier this month, fuelling tensions, clashes, and widespread disruption, particularly in the Imphal valley.

The unrest traces back to April 7, when a bomb attack in Bishnupur district’s Tronglaobi claimed the lives of two children, a 5-year-old boy and his 6-month-old sister, who were asleep at the time. Their mother was also injured in the incident. Protests over the attack began on April 11 and have continued since.

In a separate incident on April 18, a retired Indian Army personnel was killed in an ambush near Litan village, allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants. The two incidents together intensified public anger and led to widespread demonstrations.

Clashes escalate in Imphal

Tensions escalated further during a torch rally in Imphal’s Thangmeiband area, where clashes broke out between protestors and security forces. Six people were injured, including three CRPF personnel. Security forces attempted to stop protestors from marching towards Khwairamband Ima market, leading to confrontations in Thangmeiband, Sagolband, and Uripok.

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To disperse the crowd, security personnel used lathi charge, tear gas, mock bombs, rubber bullets, and live rounds. Protestors responded by throwing stones and using slingshots.

Earlier, three protestors were also killed in CRPF firing in Gelmol village in Churachandpur district, further intensifying the situation.

Shutdowns bring life to a halt

Following the violence, civil groups, including Meira Paibis, called for a five-day total shutdown in the valley districts starting Sunday midnight. Markets remained closed, educational institutions shut down, and public transport stayed off the roads.

Simultaneously, the United Naga Council announced another shutdown from Monday to protest the killing of the retired Army man.

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Sit-in protests were reported across several areas in the Imphal valley, including Uripok and Nagaram.

Internet curbs and ongoing protests

Authorities imposed a three-day suspension on internet services from April 7, citing a “volatile law and order situation.” While broadband services were partially restored the next day, mobile internet restrictions continued in phases before being fully lifted on Saturday.

Protests continued into Tuesday, with demonstrators demanding accountability. Social activist Rohan Philem told ANI that the agitation would continue until “justice is served.”