24-hour shutdown across Manipur as civil groups protest Bishnupur explosion

Guwahati: Civil society bodies and student organisations in Manipur on Monday announced a 24-hour statewide shutdown from midnight, protesting the bomb blast in Bishnupur district earlier in the day.

The call for the shutdown came jointly from the Indigenous People Organisation Manipur (IPOM), the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Yelhoumee Kanba Lup, and other allied groups.

Addressing a press conference, IPOM president Devadutta Yumnam alleged that armed Kuki militants were repeatedly targeting peripheral and foothill areas of the state to create fear and instability. He claimed such incidents were intended to prolong President’s Rule by preventing a return to normalcy.

Yumnam criticised both the Union government and the Manipur administration under President’s Rule, alleging ineffective handling of the security situation. He said arms surrendered by Meitei village defence groups were taken with assurances of protection by security forces, but claimed that vulnerable areas continued to face attacks.

Referring to a recent incident at Phougakchao Ikhai, Yumnam alleged that armed assailants used explosives and firearms when internally displaced persons attempted to resettle in the area. He claimed no effective action had been taken against those responsible, despite the deployment of central forces.

He said the Meitei community wanted lasting peace and that displaced families were seeking to return home and resume normal life. However, he alleged that certain groups were attempting to prolong the unrest to delay the restoration of an elected government in the state.

Condemning the Bishnupur blast and what they described as continued administrative inaction, the organisations announced that the 24-hour total shutdown would be observed across Manipur from midnight.