A 12-hour shutdown initiated by the proscribed group Coordinating Committee (CorCom) on Tuesday brought normal life in Manipur to a standstill, as the state observed, what it refers to as, “National Black Day.”
The shutdown, which began at 6 am and concluded at 6 pm, aimed to protest the alleged forced annexation of Manipur (Kangleipak) by India on October 15, 1949.
During the shutdown, markets, commercial establishments, and educational institutions, including schools and colleges, remained closed. The usually bustling Khwairamband Ima Market and other main markets were shuttered, significantly impacting daily activities and commerce. Transportation services were also disrupted, with very few vehicles seen on the roads. Passenger vehicles came to a complete halt, leaving many residents stranded and unable to carry out their routines.
Despite government offices not being officially declared as a holiday, the turnout of employees was notably low, with only a minimal number seen attending to their duties. Many private businesses adhered to the shutdown call, further compounding the impact on the local economy.
Earlier, CorCom's Publicity Committee issued a statement outlining the motives behind the shutdown, emphasising the historical context of Manipur's annexation.
"We call upon our people to observe this day in remembrance of our struggle for sovereignty and to assert our identity," the statement read.
The committee clarified that essential services such as medical facilities, emergency services, religious functions, and media operations were exempt from the shutdown.
Security forces were deployed in strategic locations as precautionary measures to maintain order during the protest. Authorities reported that no untoward incidents occurred throughout the duration of the shutdown, allowing the day to pass without significant unrest.
