Normal life came to a complete standstill across five valley districts of Manipur on Tuesday as a strict 24-hour statewide shutdown was observed to press for the updation of the National Register of Citizens ahead of the Census. The strike, organized by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, directly impacted Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. Public transport stayed entirely off the roads, with only a negligible number of private vehicles daring to venture out.
Commercial establishments, local markets, and shops remained firmly shut throughout the day, while schools and colleges kept their gates closed. In Thoubal district's Yairipok area, bandh supporters went to the extent of placing bamboo poles across roadways to physically block vehicular movement. The protest proceeded unabated despite the Union government deciding to defer the upcoming Census exercise in the state, which was originally slated to kick off on September 1.
Call for Formal Orders Ignored by Organizers
The state administration had formally urged the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation to call off the agitation following the Centre's decision to postpone the population count. However, the organization countered in a late-night statement on Monday, asserting that it would press ahead with the shutdown because no formal government order confirming the deferment had been issued. The postponement itself stemmed from a high-level security meeting held in New Delhi, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to review the volatile situation in Manipur.
According to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the discussions specifically centered around delaying the Census until the National Register of Citizens is fully implemented in the state. Key dignitaries attended this crucial session, including Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemचंद Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and several top-tier bureaucrats.
Leadership Acknowledgments Amid Ongoing Tensions
Following the conclusion of the deliberations in the capital, Chief Minister Singh expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for acknowledging local sensitivities. He also extended his gratitude to BJP president Nitin Nabin for steadfastly supporting the region's aspirations, as highlighted by official communications from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Prior to the strike, state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam made a public appeal asking the organizing body to scrap the protest since the central authorities had already agreed to put the Census on hold. Despite these administrative appeals, the lack of an immediate gazette notification or written directive drove the campaigners to execute the 24-hour total shutdown, leaving streets deserted and normal economic activity frozen across the valley.
