Imphal/Churachandpur: Normal life came to a standstill across Manipur on Saturday as various Meitei and Kuki organisations enforced a statewide shutdown to commemorate two years since the outbreak of ethnic violence that has deeply divided the state.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society group, called for a complete shutdown in the Imphal Valley, while the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) and Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) enforced the strike in the Kuki-dominated hill districts, including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
On May 3, 2023, large-scale ethnic clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 260 deaths, more than 1,500 injuries, and the displacement of over 70,000 people, according to official figures.
Shops, markets, schools, and offices remained closed throughout the state, and public transport services were largely suspended.
Only a few private vehicles were seen on the roads in the early hours. Educational institutions also remained shut.
Security forces have been deployed at sensitive locations to prevent any unrest or violence during the day, officials said.
In the valley, COCOMI is set to host a ‘Manipur Peoples’ Convention’ at Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, urging widespread public participation.
A candlelight march is also scheduled later in the evening to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict.
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Meanwhile, in the hill districts, the Kuki community is observing what they have termed a ‘Day of Separation’, renewing their demand for a separate administrative territory.
Commemorative events include a gathering at the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ in Churachandpur town at 11 am, followed by another event at the Sehken Burial Site at 2 pm, where many victims of the violence have been laid to rest.
