Life was affected in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching on Tuesday due to the 24-hour strike by JFD demanding updating of NRC in Manipur. Markets, schools and public transport remained closed, while some private vehicles continued to ply.
Imphal: Normal life was severely affected in five districts of the valley in Manipur on Tuesday due to a 24-hour statewide bandh. Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) had called for this bandh to demand updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census. Markets, shops, educational institutions and public transport services remained affected during the bandh.
Effect of bandh in five districts including Imphal
The maximum impact of the bandh was seen in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts of Manipur Valley. Most of the markets and business establishments remained closed in these areas. There was much less traffic on the roads as compared to normal days.
Traffic was affected in many areas due to the activism of bandh supporters at the local level. Public transport vehicles remained off the roads, due to which people dependent on daily work and transportation had to face problems. However, some private vehicles were seen plying on the roads.
Schools and educational institutions also remained closed
The bandh also affected the education system. Many educational institutions remained closed in the affected districts of the valley. Due to lack of movement of students and teachers, normal educational activities were disrupted. This action was taken by the organizers of the bandh with the aim of bringing their demands regarding NRC to the fore. JFD demands that the NRC be updated before taking the census process forward.
Bamboo planted on the road in Yairipok
Bamboo poles were reportedly installed on roads by bandh supporters in Yairipok area of Thoubal district. Its purpose was said to be to stop the movement of vehicles. Due to such disruptions the local traffic system was affected. Maintaining law and order during the bandh was an important challenge for the administration. The movement of people in the affected areas was much more limited than before and the usual busy atmosphere of the roads was not visible at many places.
What is the demand for updating NRC?
National Register of Citizens i.e. NRC is a register related to Indian citizens. There has been a debate at political and social level regarding NRC in Manipur for a long time. Its supporters consider it important to resolve issues related to citizenship and demographic status. JFD has linked this issue to the census process. The organization says that NRC should be updated before the census. With this demand he called for a statewide bandh.
Demand intensifies before census
The political discussion regarding NRC and census in Manipur has intensified at a time when concerns from different parties have been coming to the fore regarding the census process in the state. JFD’s latest strike is part of this broader debate. According to the organization, it is necessary to organize and update records related to citizens before the census. For this reason, he resorted to bandh to put pressure on the government to take action on his demand.
Business affected in valley districts
There was a direct impact on business due to the closure of shops in major business areas of the valley including Imphal East and Imphal West. People going out to buy items of daily needs also faced problems at many places. Business activities in Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching were also much less than normal days. Due to closure of public transport, passengers had to depend on alternative means.
Widespread impact on normal situation
The 24-hour strike not only affected markets and transportation, but also affected education and local economic activities. The widespread nature of the bandh was clearly visible as roads remained empty in many areas. However, as per available information, some private vehicles continued to ply. This means that the movement was not completely stopped, but the normal traffic system remained disrupted due to the halt of public transport.
Citizenship and demography is a sensitive issue in Manipur.
Issues related to citizenship, demographic change and administrative system have long been sensitive in Manipur. Different communities and organizations in the state have their own demands. The demand for updating the NRC is also being seen in this broader political and social context.
JFD’s bandh indicates that the organization wants to strongly raise this issue with the government before the census. The organization tried to draw attention to its demand by stopping markets and public activities through the bandh.
Challenge before the government
After the bandh, the government faces a double challenge. On one hand, it has to maintain normal life and economic activities, on the other hand, it will also be necessary to communicate with various organizations on the demands related to NRC and census. In a sensitive state like Manipur, maintaining communication and trust along with law and order is considered important for the administration on such issues.
What next?
The 24-hour strike called by JFD continued to impact normal activities in five districts of the valley on Tuesday. Daily life was affected due to the closure of markets, educational institutions and public transport. Now the next strategy of this movement and the reaction of the government will be monitored.
What steps are taken by the government on the demand of updating NRC before the census, it will be important in the times to come. For now, Tuesday’s bandh highlights the growing political and social activism over the issue in Manipur.