Imphal, April 19 (IANS) Normal life across the Imphal valley districts of Manipur was severely disrupted on Sunday following the imposition of a five-day shutdown called to protest the killing of two minor children by suspected Kuki militants.

The shutdown was called by Meira Paibis, a most influential women’s body, and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The shutdown, which came into effect from midnight on Saturday, led to a near-complete halt in daily activities across the Imphal valley, comprising five to six districts. In capital Imphal, roads wore a deserted look, with only a very few vehicles seen plying.

Members of the Meira Paibis and groups of women protesters were visible at several locations, blocking roads and restricting vehicular movement. Passenger and commercial vehicles remained off the roads, while shops, business establishments and roadside vendors stayed shut, contributing to the widespread disruption.

The agitation by the Meira Paibis and other CSOs is being spearheaded in connection with demands for justice over the killing of two minors in an incident that occurred in Bishnupur district on April 7, which has triggered widespread public outrage.

Earlier, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the Bishnupur incident had stated that it had reached an understanding with the state government, which reportedly assured that the demands placed by the JAC would be fulfilled.

However, in a fresh development on Saturday, the JAC introduced a new condition, setting a deadline of April 25 for the arrest of those responsible for the killings.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC), an apex body of the Naga community in Manipur, has separately called a three-day total shutdown across all Naga-inhabited areas of the state from midnight on Sunday.

The shutdown has been announced to protest the killing of two Naga civilians, including a retired Indian Army personnel, in Ukhrul district on Saturday, allegedly by suspected Kuki militants. In a statement, the UNC said that in view of the “outrageous aggression over their homeland and the cold-blooded killing of two Naga civilians,” it convened a joint emergency meeting with various organisations on Sunday at Tahamzam in Senapati district.

The statement added that the total shutdown would be observed from midnight on Sunday until midnight of April 23 across all Naga areas, both to mourn the deaths and as a collective expression of condemnation. During this period, all public and private institutions, business establishments and vehicular movement will remain suspended, except for emergency services.

The UNC also announced that a candlelight vigil would be held on the evening of April 23 in all Naga-inhabited district headquarters as well as in Imphal to honour the departed and reaffirm a commitment to peace with dignity.

“During the three days of mourning, the Nagas in the state of Manipur shall suspend all social and economic ties with the Kukis in accordance with Naga customary practice,” the UNC statement said.

In another development, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body of the Meitei community, has accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters and sharply criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over what it described as a failure to contain the escalating violence in the state.

COCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpam said that recent incidents, including the killing of two minors earlier this month and subsequent civilian deaths in fresh attacks, have triggered widespread public anger and sustained agitation across the Imphal valley.

He added that despite the deteriorating situation, the Chief Minister has continued district visits projecting progress in the peace process, a claim the organisation has rejected.

–IANS

sc/uk