Normal life affected in valley districts on second day of strike over NRC demand in Manipur
Manipur is experiencing a 48-hour strike in its valley districts as students demand the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming census. Protesters are blocking roads and closing businesses to pressure the government to identify illegal immigrants.
Why it matters
The strike highlights ongoing regional tensions regarding immigration policy and census procedures in Northeast India.
Normal life was affected on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) with closures of markets, educational institutions and business establishments in five valley districts of Manipur on the second day of a 48-hour statewide strike called by a students' organisation demanding NRC implementation before the census.
Public transport remained off the roads, but a few private vehicles were seen plying in the valley districts.
Strike enforcers in different parts of Imphal East and Imphal West districts blocked the roads with bamboo poles and stone boulders. They staged protests and put up posters with 'No NRC No Census' written on them.
Three other valley districts - Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur - saw thin attendance at government offices, while educational institutes remained closed.
The statewide strike called by the Campaign for Just and Free Delimitation (JFD) did not have any effect on hill districts, including Churachandpur.
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