General strike paralyses normal life, 5 hurt in standoff
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 18 2026: Normal life was paralysed in many parts of the State, particularly the valley districts on account of the 48 hours general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) since last midnight.

Since early morning, people came out to the streets and blocked almost all roads by burning tyres and placing timber, trees and boulders in the middle of the roads.

Greengrocers who came to Khwairamband Keithel and other marketplaces to sell vegetables in the early hours this morning were driven away by general strike supporters.

Gen strike paralyses normal life, 5 hurt in standoff

There was little vehicular movement on roads and all markets remained shut.

Schools and colleges (both Government and private) were also closed.

Attendance at Government offices was also abysmally low.

On the other hand, Manipur Police and Central security forces took up strong security measures to prevent untoward incidents during the general strike.

A number of general strike supporters blocked Tiddim Road at Kwakeithel Bazar.

The general strike supporters blocked movement of all types of vehicles including a convoy of Assam Rifles.

As the protesters refused to open a path for the AR convoy, a tense standoff ensued between the two sides.

Security forces tried to disperse the protesters by firing tear gas shells and mock bombs.

One student identified as Khundrakpam Arnold sustained injuries in the security forces' action and he was taken to Asian Hospital.

On learning that a training programme of census enumerators and supervisors was being conducted at the Imphal East DC office, a large number of protesters tried to storm the DC office.

But they were stopped by security forces at the gate of the DC office.

Nonetheless, the protesters shouted "No NRC, No Census" at the gate for several minutes.

Later, a few protesters were allowed to enter and meet the DC.

Following the DC's clarification that the training programme had been aborted, the protesters went back.

However, not all protesters were convinced by the DC's clarification and they stayed put at the gate of the DC office.

As the protesters tried to prevent anyone from entering the DC office, a scuffle broke out between the protesters and police.

In their efforts to drive away the protesters, police used mock bombs and this resulted in injuries to five protesters.

The injured protesters were taken to JNIMS Hospital.

It was said that Meira Paibi activist Kshetrimayum Pramodini of Kongpal Naoroibam Leikai sustained severe injuries on the leg even though injuries suffered by the other four were said to be minor.

The 48 hours general strike called by the JFD against the Government's failure to give any response to the indigenous people's demand for updating the NRC before commencing census operations evoked massive response in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts too.

In Thoubal district, there was little vehicular movement and all major markets like Babu Keithel, Thoubal Keithel, Yairipok Keithel, Wangjing Keithel and Khongjom Keithel wore deserted looks.

Protesters blocked Thoubal-Yairipok road at Bishnunaha and shouted slogans like "No NRC, No Census", "Long Live Manipur" etc .

A large number of protesters and Meira Paibis blocked NH-102 in front of Thoubal DC office complex.

The Meitei Community Joint Coordinating Committee (18 Clubs) blocked NH-102 at Babu Keithel.

Supporting the general strike, the Khongjom Circle Meira Paibi Forum and local clubs staged a protest demonstration at Khongjom Keithel.

In Bishnupur district, protest demonstrations were staged at Nambol Keithel, Lamangdong Keithel, Bish-nupur Bazar, Ningthou- khong Keithel, Moirang Lamkhai, Moirang Keithel, Kumbi Keithel, Sagang Bazar and Ithai Wapokpi in support of the popular demand for updating the NRC .

Supporting the general strike, Moirang Apunba Meira Paibi Ima Lup (MAMPIL), Apunba Nupi Lup (ANUL) Moirang Branch and Kege Moirang Kendra Apunba Lup (KEMKAL) blocked roads at different places within Moirang Assembly Constituency.

Few people who came on two-wheelers were stopped and made to shout the slogan "No NRC, No Census" before they were let off.

Roads were blocked at Phougakchao Ikhai, Wangoo Terakhong and Wangoo Naodakhong in Kumbi AC.

Normal life was severely affected in Jiribam too on account of the general strike.

A large number of womenfolk belonging to both Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities blocked roads at different localities of Jiribam.

All markets, shops and commercial establishments remained shut.

The shutdown also affected Chandel district headquarters.