The bandh, which began on 19th April , has been called by the Meira Paibis
Digital Desk: A five-day total shutdown has brought normal life to a standstill across the valley districts of Manipur, following a tragic bomb blast earlier this month that has sparked widespread outrage.
The shutdown was triggered by an incident on 7th April in Bishnupur, where a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl lost their lives in an explosion.
The bandh, which began on 19th April , has been called by the Meira Paibis (“women torchbearers”), along with various civil society organisations and a people’s collective formed in response to the tragedy. Protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and swift justice for the victims. They have also raised concerns over alleged militant activities in the hill districts, aligning these issues with their primary demands.
Police have warned that anti-social elements are attempting to hijack the demonstrations organised by protest groups, urging vigilance to prevent any escalation of unrest.
Markets, educational institutions, government offices, and transport services remained largely shut on the first day of the bandh, with only essential services operating in some areas. As part of the widespread protests, thousands of people took to the streets across the valley districts on 19th April evening, with night rallies organised in Imphal East and Imphal West.
Security has been heightened across sensitive areas, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to maintain law and order.
Organisers have stated that the shutdown will continue for next five days, they have warned of intensified agitation if their demands are not met. The Bishnupur blast has further fueled public anger in a state already grappling with ethnic tensions and sporadic violence, prompting civil society groups to urge the government to take decisive action to restore public confidence and ensure accountability.
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