Manipur: Two-day strike over NRC demand paralyses normal life in valley districts
A two-day strike in Manipur's valley districts has disrupted normal life as protesters demand the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming census. The strike has led to the closure of schools and markets, though it has not impacted hill districts.
Why it matters
The protest highlights ongoing regional tensions regarding immigration, census procedures, and the political demand for identity verification in Northeast India.
Markets and educational institutes remained closed, and public transport remained off the roads in the five valley districts of Manipur on the first day of the two-day strike called by a students' organisation demanding National Register of Citizens implementation before the census.
The strike called by the Campaign for Just and Free Delimitation (JFD) from Tuesday (August 18, 2026) midnight, however, did not have any effect on hill districts, including Churachandpur.
Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur saw thin attendance at government offices, with some private vehicles seen plying on roads. Educational establishments remained closed, and public transport remained off the streets.
Strike enforcers in different parts of the valley districts blocked the roads with bamboo poles and stone boulders. They also forced a few vegetable vendors to pack up their items at Kongba bazaar in Imphal East district.
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