Normal life came to a halt in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Saturday as the Joint Student Body (JSB) called for a total shutdown to mark the second anniversary of the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
Shops, markets, and educational institutions stayed shut, while roads wore a deserted look throughout the bandh.
Meanwhile, a press note from Manipur Police issued on Friday stated that although the situation remained tense, it was under control over the last 24 hours.
Security forces carried out search operations and area domination exercises in the fringe and vulnerable areas across hill and valley districts. The operations led to the recovery of several arms and the detention of an illegal arms smuggler, the note mentioned.
The authorities also ensured the movement of 346 vehicles along NH-2 and 158 vehicles along NH-37, both carrying essential commodities. Security has been tightened at vulnerable locations, with convoys deployed on sensitive stretches to guarantee safe passage for goods transport.
The ethnic violence, which broke out in May 2023, has so far resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of thousands, exacerbating communal tensions in the northeastern state.
In response to the prolonged unrest, the President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.