Imphal, April 20 (NationPress) Life in both the Imphal valley and the Naga-dominated hill regions of Manipur has faced significant disruption due to ongoing shutdowns initiated by various groups as of Monday. In a related development, authorities have detained 21 individuals linked to violent incidents during a rally held in the Imphal West district two days prior.

The shutdown in the Imphal valley, which encompasses five to six districts, was organized by Meira Paibis (women torchbearers), a prominent women's organization, along with several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

This protest stems from the tragic deaths of two minor children and the injury of their mother, reportedly at the hands of suspected Kuki militants, in the Bishnupur district on April 7.

Commencing at midnight on Saturday, the shutdown has caused a near-total cessation of daily activities throughout the valley.

Members of Meira Paibis and other women protesters have been observed at various locations, obstructing roads and hindering vehicular movement.

As per police reports, both passenger and commercial vehicles have been largely absent from the roads, while shops and street vendors have remained closed, leading to widespread disruption.

In the hill areas, the United Naga Council (UNC), the principal body representing the Naga community in Manipur, has separately announced a three-day complete shutdown across all Naga-populated regions of the state starting midnight on Sunday.

This action by the UNC is in response to the killings of two Naga civilians, including a retired Indian Army personnel, in Ukhrul district on April 18, allegedly perpetrated by suspected Kuki militants.

A statement from the UNC indicated that this shutdown is a reaction to the “unacceptable aggression towards their homeland and the cold-blooded murder of two Naga civilians.” They convened a joint emergency meeting with various organizations on Sunday at Tahamzam in Senapati district.

The shutdown is intended to last from midnight on Sunday until midnight on April 23 across all Naga areas, serving both as a period of mourning and a collective condemnation.

During this timeframe, operations of all public and private institutions, business activities, and vehicle movements will be halted, except for emergency services.

The UNC further announced a candlelight vigil to be held on the evening of April 23 in all Naga district headquarters and in Imphal to honor the deceased and reaffirm a commitment to peace with dignity.

On Sunday, Manipur's Home Minister, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the public to reconsider and lift the shutdowns for the sake of public welfare and the smooth functioning of the state.

In the meantime, police confirmed the arrest of at least 21 individuals for their alleged involvement in the violence during the recent rally in Imphal West.

According to police accounts, a torch rally occurred on April 18 along the Imphal–Jiribam road, organized by various CSOs from Patsoi to Sagolband.

During this event, the crowd reportedly became unruly, engaging in stone-throwing, launching petrol bombs, and using catapults and boulders against law enforcement officers, resulting in several injuries.

Vehicles belonging to security forces were damaged, and three personnel from the 232 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) suffered serious injuries. Police stated that the crowd was eventually dispersed, and order was restored.

In another note, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body representing the Meitei community, accused security forces of excessive force against the protesters and heavily criticized Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh for failing to manage the escalating violence in the state.

COCOMI spokesperson, Shanta Nahakpam, highlighted that recent events, including the deaths of two minors earlier this month and subsequent civilian fatalities from new attacks, have fueled widespread public outrage and ongoing protests throughout the Imphal valley.

He added that despite the worsening situation, the Chief Minister has continued to make district visits promoting progress in the peace process, a claim that the organization has disputed.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced that both the Ukhrul district shooting incident from April 18 and the deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7 will be referred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive investigation.