The shutdown affected both the hill and valley districts, bringing commercial activities, educational institutions and public transport to a near standstill. The impact was reported to be more pronounced in the valley areas.
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Normal life was severely disrupted across Manipur after the Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM) called a 48-hour statewide shutdown from midnight on October 19, demanding decisive security action against armed groups allegedly responsible for an attack in the Khongbal Tangkhul area that left three Meitei people dead and several others injured.
The shutdown affected both the hill and valley districts, bringing commercial activities, educational institutions and public transport to a near standstill. The impact was reported to be more pronounced in the valley areas, where roads wore a deserted look and only vehicles linked to essential services were seen moving.
Shops, markets, banks, business establishments, private offices and educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, remained closed. Entertainment venues and other commercial activities were also suspended, while government offices recorded low attendance.
Public and private transport services were largely halted, with police and government vehicles among those permitted to operate. Inter-state road transport was also suspended, disrupting road connectivity between Manipur and other parts of the country. However, airline services continued to operate normally.
The shutdown was marked by road blockades and protests in several areas. Protesters placed wooden logs in the middle of roads to obstruct movement, while women protesters sat across stretches of roads, preventing vehicles from passing.
The NPCM has called for continued protests until the government demonstrates credible action towards addressing its demands, particularly those concerning security and the armed groups allegedly involved in the Khongbal Tangkhul attack.
Healthcare and medical emergencies, fire services, water supply, media activities, religious functions and other essential services were exempted from the shutdown. Authorities and service providers continued to facilitate these activities despite the widespread disruption.
The shutdown has added to concerns over the security situation in Manipur, with normal movement and daily activities affected across large parts of the state.