Imphal: Manipur has come to a standstill as a total shutdown imposed in protest against the Tronglaobi blast incident, which killed two children and injured their mother in Bishnupur district, entered its second day on Saturday.
The five-day shutdown, called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the Tronglaobi bomb attack, demands the arrest of those involved by April 25 and justice for the victims.
Normal life has been severely affected, with shutters down at major markets in Imphal, including Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar and Ima Keithel. Business establishments and educational institutions remained closed across the valley districts.
Major roads and streets in Imphal appeared deserted, with vehicular movement, including inter-district public transport, significantly disrupted.
However, government offices have remained open following an order issued by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, directing heads of departments to ensure attendance during shutdowns called by various groups in the state.
“Attendance reports should be sent to the concerned administrative departments. Departmental proceedings should be initiated against those absent from duty without authorised leave,” the order stated.
Meanwhile, a separate three-day shutdown from midnight of April 20 has been called by the United Naga Council (UNC), an apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur, across all Naga-inhabited areas to protest the April 18 killing of two Tangkhul Naga civilians in an ambush at TM Kasom in Ukhrul district.
The shutdown in Naga areas has been called to mourn the deaths and as a collective expression of condemnation.
During this period, all public and private institutions, business establishments and vehicular movement have been urged to remain suspended, except for emergencies.
The decision to impose the three-day shutdown was taken on Sunday following a joint emergency meeting convened by the UNC with the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union (NWU) and district apex bodies at its office in Senapati district headquarters.
During the meeting, the Naga bodies strongly condemned the ambush and killing of civilians at TM Kasom village along NH-202, which claimed the lives of Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, 45, from Tashar village, and Yaruingam Vashum, 42, from Kharasom village in Ukhrul district. The attack was attributed to suspected Kuki militants.
The organisations stated that the premeditated attack on unarmed civilians travelling on a public highway was not merely a crime against individuals but a deliberate assault on the dignity, safety and territorial integrity of the Naga people.
They described the incident as a direct challenge to the community and a grave disruption of their collective security and right to peaceful existence.
The Naga bodies also expressed concern over what they termed a lack of seriousness and sincerity on the part of the state government in addressing security measures, particularly in Naga areas.
They noted that the incident occurred shortly after the Chief Minister’s visit to Ukhrul district, adding that the government bears moral responsibility for the situation.
The meeting also unanimously resolved to observe a candlelight vigil on April 23, 2026, from 6:30 pm onwards in all Naga district headquarters and in Imphal to honour the victims and reaffirm a commitment to peace with dignity.
During the three-day mourning period, Naga communities across the state will suspend all social and economic ties with Kuki groups in accordance with customary practices.
The United Naga Council further appealed to all Naga citizens, organisations and institutions to fully cooperate in observing the resolutions.
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