General strike paralyses normal life
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, September 01 2026: The 24-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) paralysed normal life across Bishnupur district today.

As announced earlier, JFD went ahead with the general strike demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before carrying out census activities in the State though the Government of India agreed to defer census operations in Manipur.

The major markets places in the district namely Nambol Keithel, Oinam Keithel, Keinou Keithel, Bishnupur Keithel, Ningthoukhong Keithel, Moirang Khoyol Keithel, Moirang Thoibi Awoon Keithel, Kumbi Keithel bore a deserted look.

Government offices, private and business establishments, educational institutions, banks and shops remained closed during the strike.

The inter district and inter village passenger service remained off the road as well.

However, media, electricity, water supply and medical services and religious events were exempted from the purview of the general strike.

The District Police took up strong measures to ensure that no untoward incidents occured during the strike.

Subsequently, the strike remained peaceful throughout.

Extending support to the general strike called by JFD, meira paibis and locals of the region blocked roads at Nambol Keithel.

It may be noted that residents of Keinou, Ningthoukhong Keithel, Terakhongshangbi, Moirang Lamkhai, Moirang Khunou, Phougakchao Ikhai, Kwakta, Kumbi, Thanga, Sagang in Churachandpur district, members of Apunba Nupi Lup Bishnupur (ANUL) and other locals, came out in large numbers and blocked roads in their respective areas.

Similar protest at Moirang Lamkhai was led by NRC Demand Committee Moirang Sub Division and AT Moirang Unit while members of Moirang Apunba Meira apaibi Ima Lup (MAMPIL), Kege Moirang Kendra Apunba Lup (KEMKAL) and AT Unit Moirang led the protest at Moirang Keithel.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest at Moirang Keithel, president of MAMPIL K Padmabati said, 'The Government's decision and High Court's order to defer census exercise is like an act to fool the public'.

Stressing on the demand raised by JFD to update NRC before any form of census exercise in the State, she said that the decision to defer census in Manipur without any update on NRC demand clearly indicates that the core demand has been sidelined.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the decision, she urged all to support the initiatives of JFD until and unless the core demand of updating of NRC before census operation has not been fulfilled and concrete measures are not taken up by the Government.

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