Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Aug 18: Normal life across Manipur’s Imphal Valley was severely disrupted on Tuesday as people extended widespread support to a 48-hour general shutdown called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated in the state before the Census 2027.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who returned to Imphal after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, said the Centre would take positive action on updating the NRC in Manipur.

The 48-hour shutdown began at midnight on Monday and is scheduled to continue until midnight on Wednesday. Transport, business and commercial activities came to a near standstill, with roads deserted and shops remaining closed across large parts of the Imphal Valley.

The valley comprises six districts -- Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam.

Shutdown supporters and activists blocked vehicular movement at several locations, affecting the passage of VIP convoys, doctors, government employees and security personnel. Protesters, including women, remained on the roads to enforce the shutdown despite heavy rain in the evening.

A police official said the strike remained largely peaceful, although tension was reported at some places.

In one incident, a security forces convoy reportedly used a mock bomb against a group of strike supporters, injuring a woman. In Porompat in Imphal East, at least four women protesters were injured during police action and were taken to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospital.

In Kakching district, members of the Apunba Nupi Lup and local youth staged demonstrations at Ema Market and Lamkhai Keithel in Hiyanglam Wabagai, preventing vehicular movement, including that of VIP vehicles.

Civil society organisations, student bodies, Meira Paibis and residents of Jiribam blocked National Highway 37 (NH 37), disrupting traffic along the key highway connecting Jiribam with Imphal.

Singh, accompanied by MLAs, met Shah in New Delhi on Monday before returning to Imphal.

“We have apprised the Home Minister of the situation regarding the NRC, the strike and the agitation. I believe the Home Minister will take some positive action regarding this vital issue,” Singh told the media.

He said several issues concerning Manipur, including demographic imbalance, were raised during the meeting.

Singh added that Shah’s response to the demand for conducting the NRC before the Census was positive.