Fresh shutdowns have gripped Manipur as Naga groups announced a total bandh, adding to parallel protest calls by Meira Paibis and Zomi organisations.
BY PC Bureau
April 19, 2026: Manipur is once again gripped by a fresh wave of shutdowns and bandhs as ethnic tensions continue to simmer. In the latest development, the United Naga Council (UNC) and allied Naga organisations have announced a three-day total bandh across all Naga-inhabited areas from midnight of April 20 to midnight of April 23, 2026, following the killing of two Naga civilians on National Highway-202 in Ukhrul district.
The joint emergency meeting convened on Sunday, April 19, at Tahamzam by the UNC, along with the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and district apex bodies, strongly condemned the brutal waylaying and killing of Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) from Tashar village and Yaruingam Vashum (42) from Kharasom village at T.M. Kasom village.
The two victims were travelling on a public highway when they were allegedly intercepted and shot dead. The organisations described the incident as a serious security lapse that has severely affected civilian movement and safety in Naga-inhabited areas.
Leaders present at the meeting observed a minute of silence and offered prayers led by Thamdok Francis, President of CNPO, to pay tribute to the deceased.
Concerns Over Security Arrangements
Participants expressed serious concern over the adequacy of security arrangements in Naga areas. They noted that the killings took place shortly after the visit of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the Home Minister to Ukhrul district, raising questions about the effectiveness of the assurances given by the state government on maintaining law and order.
The organisations demanded strict accountability from the authorities to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to ensure safe passage for civilians on public highways in the hill districts.
Resolutions Passed
After detailed deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted:
Three-day Total Bandh: A complete shutdown will be enforced across all Naga-inhabited areas from midnight April 20 till midnight April 23, 2026. Essential services, medical emergencies, and emergency vehicles will be exempted.
Candlelight Vigil: A candlelight vigil will be organised on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. in all Naga district headquarters, as well as in Imphal, to pay homage to the slain civilians.
Temporary Suspension of Social and Economic Ties: In line with customary practices during mourning, social and economic interactions with Kuki communities will be suspended for the duration of the mourning period.
The UNC has appealed to all citizens, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and government offices in Naga areas to fully cooperate with the bandh and maintain peace and order during this period of mourning.
READ: Ukhrul Ambush: Kuki Inpi Flags Armed Groups, Seeks Impartial Probe
Parallel Shutdown Calls in the State
The Naga announcement adds to the growing list of shutdowns and bandhs currently affecting different parts of Manipur amid ongoing ethnic tensions and demands for justice in multiple incidents.
Meira Paibis have already called for a seven-day shutdown starting April 17, while Zomi youths have announced a one-day bandh in Churachandpur on April 22 to press for justice in the brutal attack on late MLA Vungzagin Valte, who passed away recently after never fully recovering from the murderous assault on him in Imphal at the peak of ethnic clashes in May 2023.
Manipur continues to witness a series of protest actions, shutdowns, and bandhs as various communities express outrage over recent acts of violence and perceived failures in governance and security. The cumulative effect of these restrictions is likely to severely disrupt normal life, transportation, markets, and essential services across the state in the coming days
