Govt curlew, public shutdown derail normal life in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 09 2025: The 10-day shutdown called by the Arambai Tenggol in denunciation of the arrest of its fighting commander Asem Kanan by the CBI and the imposition of curfew, without any relaxation, by the government to contain public unrest continue to affect normal life in the five valley districts.

On the second day of the shutdown on Monday, the roads sported a deserted look with AT members blocking the otherwise busy thoroughfares by burning tyres, placing tree branches, dumping earth or setting up barricades at many locations.

Except for medical, religious, media and essential services, no other movement was allowed.

In some places, Meira Paibi members extended their full support to the shutdown.

The shutdown supporters also dumped heaps of earth at Uripok Polem section on the Uripok-Kangchup road and nearby the Lamlong bridge.

The shutdown drastically reduced vehicular movement, with inter-district and inter-state transport operators ceasing services.

The shutdown also crippled Khwairamband Keithel as no trade activities were observed for the second successive day, with only pharmacies seen operating.

At Lamlong Keithel, protestors were dispersed by Manipur police and central forces using tear gas with similar scenes unfolding in Checkon area where protesters barricading the roads with tree branches and burn tyres were tear-gassed.

As a part of pre-emptive measures, security forces put up barricades in front of Palace Gate, though movement of vehicles on emergency or urgent matters were allowed.

On the other hand, members of Mahila Mandap, Thoubal Khunou protested in front of Thoubal Khunou gate on Monday, demanding the unconditional release of AT members arrested by CBI.

In Jiribam district, bandh supporters blocked the roads in front of Telephone Exchange, Babupara and Jiribam Higher Secondary School along Jiri-Tipaimukh road, by burning tyres and placing tree branches.

Markets and shops in Jiribam downed shutter, while schools and colleges remained closed.

There was barely any movement on the roads except for essential and emergency services.

Meanwhile, amid the shutdown, two individuals from Jirighat, Assam were detained at Babupara, Jiribam with heroin.

The two are said to be residents of Nungkao village in Tamenglong district.

Both the individuals and the seized items were handed over to Jiribam PS.

Roads in Kakching district including Kakching Lamkhai, Kakching Bazar, Hiyanglam Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar, Lamjao, Langmeidong, Kakching Khunou, Wapokpi and Sekmaijin, were also blocked by bandh supporters.

Mention may be made that in view of the unrest situation, the state government has banned mobile Internet and data services on Saturday midnight for five days and imposed an indefinite curfew in five Imphal valley districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

On Saturday and Sunday the protesters set fire to some vehicles, including those belonging to the security forces.

Protesting the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol leader, a large number of men and women protesters burnt tyres and old furniture on important roads in Imphal West district and Imphal East districts, demanding the immediate release of Kanan.

The situation continues to remain tense in the five districts, as men and women protesters block several important roads with various materials.

A large contingent of Central and state forces led by senior officials has been deployed in the five districts, especially in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, to bring the situation under control.

Protesters also took out torchlight processions overnight, burnt a government building and clashed with security forces, defying prohibitory orders.

Clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel in Kwakeithel and Singjamei in Imphal West district, prompting the police to fire several rounds of tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the agitators on Sunday night.

The SDC Office at Yairipok Tulihal in Imphal East district was set on fire, causing partial damage to the building, and official records were destroyed, according to sources, adding that the police have initiated an investigation to identify the culprits behind the arson.

The demonstrators created mounds of soil on roads in Sekmai and Koirengei areas in Imphal West district to prevent the movement of security forces.

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