Life paralysed in Manipur as underground groups enforce shutdown during President Murmu’s visit

Imphal: Manipur witnessed a complete shutdown on Tuesday as several underground groups enforced a general strike opposing President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the state. The strike began at 1 am on December 11 and, according to statements issued by seven underground outfits, will continue throughout the President’s stay.

President Murmu arrived in Imphal on Thursday and immediately attended multiple official events. Moreover, she is scheduled to participate in the Nupi Lal Day observance on December 12, an important state function that honours the valour and sacrifices of Manipuri women.

As the shutdown took effect, daily life across the state came to a halt. Banks, shops, schools, colleges, private offices, and market establishments shut their doors, while public transport stayed off the roads. Consequently, only security vehicles moved through sensitive areas. Government offices recorded extremely low attendance, further highlighting the strike’s impact. Although Manipur remained cut off by road, flights continued to operate normally.

The Coordination Committee (CorCom), an umbrella body of six banned militant organisations KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, RPF (political wing of the PLA), and UNLF led the boycott of the President’s visit. Additionally, the proscribed National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) joined the call for the shutdown.

Despite the widespread restrictions, authorities exempted essential services such as medical care, fire services, water supply, media operations, and ritual-related activities, ensuring that critical needs remained accessible during the strike.