Manipur's normal life crippled amid public emergency

Imphal: Normal life in Manipur's five valley districts came to a standstill on Saturday, following the imposition of a 'public emergency' and road blockade agitations by students and women traders.

In response to the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)'s call, all shops and businesses, including in Imphal city, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching, remained closed.

COCOMI declared a public emergency on Friday to protest the killing of civilians by militants using high-tech weaponry, such as rocket-propelled grenades and short-range rockets.

Imphal's three main market centers—Khwairambam Ima Keithel, Paona market, and Thangal market—also remained closed in opposition to the Kuki-Zo community's demand for a separate administration.

The state government's order to close all educational institutions prompted students in the Thoubal district to stage a road blockade near the Thoubal Mela ground.

In Bishnupur, women traders restricted the movement of vehicles used by central security personnel, accusing them of siding with another community in the ongoing violence.

While the number of people and passersby in Imphal City was reduced, security personnel maintained a heightened presence to prevent any incidents.

Public transport was severely disrupted, with fewer private vehicles on the roads. However, some auto-rickshaws and inter-district cabs continued to operate.

Transportation along NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam) and NH-102 (Dimapur-Imphal) came to a halt. Inter-district bus services were suspended, although flight services and essential services like electricity, water supply, medical pharmacies, and religious ceremonies continued as usual.