Manipur hit by 48-hour strike, women injured in clashes with security forces

A 48-hour general strike, organized by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), took place in Manipur on Tuesday. The protesters demanded the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the 2027 Census. Demonstrators blocked roads, causing disruptions in transport and commercial activities across the valley districts. Shops and businesses remained closed throughout the strike, which was set to continue until midnight on Wednesday.

The protests were mostly peaceful, with only a few instances of tension reported. In Porompat, Imphal East district, at least four women protesters were injured during police action. The state government urged protesters to resort to democratic methods and refrain from inconveniencing the public. Governor Sapam Ranjan Singh, a government spokesperson and MLA, reaffirmed the state's commitment to addressing the NRC and Census issues.

He mentioned that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in favor of NRC implementation on August 5, 2022, and reaffirmed it on March 1, 2024. The government is following up on the issue with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and has planned a delegation visit to New Delhi to seek guidance. Singh emphasized the importance of addressing the NRC matter collectively, irrespective of political differences, as it is crucial for the future of Manipur and its people.