Several civil society and student organisations, including the Indigenous People Organisation Manipur (IPOM), the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Yelhoumee Kanba Lup and other like-minded groups, have jointly called for a 24-hour total shutdown across Manipur from midnight, condemning the bomb attack reported earlier in the day in Bishnupur district.

Addressing a press conference, IPOM president Devadutta Yumnam strongly criticised what he described as repeated attacks by armed Kuki militants in the peripheral and foothill areas of the state. He alleged that such incidents were aimed at creating instability and prolonging President’s Rule in Manipur by fostering an atmosphere of fear and violence.

Yumnam expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Union government and the Manipur administration under President’s Rule have been handling the prevailing situation. He claimed that arms collected from Meitei village defence groups were taken with assurances that security forces would protect the villages, but alleged that peripheral areas continue to remain unsafe as armed Kuki groups continue their activities without effective counteraction.

Referring to a recent incident at Phougakchao Ikhai, Yumnam alleged that armed attackers used bombs and firearms when internally displaced persons (IDPs) attempted to resettle in the area. He said no visible action had been taken to apprehend those responsible, questioning the effectiveness of deploying central forces if they fail to protect civilians and maintain peace in vulnerable regions.

Stating that the Meitei community desires lasting peace, Yumnam said internally displaced persons wish to return to their homes and resume normal life. However, he alleged that certain groups were deliberately attempting to prolong the violence to prevent the restoration of a popularly elected government in the state.

Condemning the Bishnupur attack and what they termed continued inaction by both the state and central governments, the organisations announced that a total shutdown would be observed across Manipur for 24 hours starting from midnight.