Normal activity in Imphal’s valley region was significantly disrupted on Wednesday as markets, educational institutions and many government offices stayed shut on the second day of a 48-hour shutdown called by the Campaign for Just and Free Delimitation (JFD). The protest seeks implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) ahead of the nationwide headcount.
Transport and movement curtailed
Public buses and most other scheduled public conveyances were off the roads across the five valley districts; a small number of private vehicles were seen moving. In parts of Imphal East and Imphal West, protesters obstructed roads with bamboo poles and stones, causing further disruption to vehicular movement.
Closure and low attendance
Authorities in Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur reported very low turnout at government offices, while educational institutions in the valley remained shut for the day. The JFD-called strike had little apparent impact on the hill districts, including Churachandpur, where life continued largely as usual.
Key developments observed on day two:
- Markets and shops in Imphal valley largely closed.
- Public transport suspended; only limited private vehicle movement.
- Roadblocks and protests reported in Imphal East and Imphal West.
- Government offices in Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur showed thin attendance.
Background and organisers
The shutdown was organised by the JFD, a students' group pressing for the NRC to be updated prior to census operations in the state. The protest follows public demonstrations earlier in the week: students gathered outside the Directorate of Census Operations in Imphal on Sunday and staged a torch rally across parts of Imphal East and Imphal West on the evening of August 16.
"A delegation of legislators would go to New Delhi to meet central leaders and apprise them of people's demand for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census," said Sapam Ranjan Singh, state government spokesperson and MLA.
Census schedule and points of contention
Authorities have scheduled components of Census 2027 as follows: a self-enumeration phase was set to begin on August 17, while the main house-listing operation is slated for 1-30 September. Protesters argue that conducting census exercises without first updating the NRC would fail to distinguish between citizens and alleged illegal immigrants, undermining the integrity of demographic data in the state.
Law and order response
Police used tear gas to disperse a demonstration outside the Directorate of Census Operations earlier in the week, after students gathered at the facility on Sunday. There were no detailed reports of large-scale arrests in media accounts on Wednesday, but officials monitored protest sites in the valley districts where road obstructions were reported.
Political reaction and next steps
Following the weekend protests, the state government indicated a plan to send a delegation of legislators to the national capital to present the valley's demand to central authorities. The extent of coordination between state leaders and the JFD organisers was not specified in official statements available on Wednesday.
Local impact and practical information
Residents in the valley are likely to face further inconvenience during the remainder of the 48-hour shutdown. Commuters and those with appointments at government offices are advised to verify the status of services before travel. Students in the valley should note that most schools and colleges remained closed on Wednesday.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Campaign for Just and Free Delimitation (JFD) |
| Demand | Implementation of NRC prior to Census 2027 |
| Census dates | Self-enumeration began mid-August; house-listing 1–30 September |
There was no independent confirmation on whether the delegation of legislators had already left for New Delhi on Wednesday. Authorities are expected to maintain a security presence near sites where protesters placed obstructions. The situation remains fluid and officials may make further announcements depending on how talks between political representatives and central authorities progress.
