Five-Day Shutdown Over Tronglaobi Incident Paralyses Imphal Valley; Concern JAC Distances Itself from Bandh

A five-day total shutdown across Manipur’s Imphal Valley has disrupted normal life, following widespread protests over the death of two young children in a bomb blast earlier this month in Bishnupur district.

The shutdown, which began on April 19, has been called by Meitei civil society groups, including the Meira Paibis (women torchbearers), along with several local organisations. Markets, transport services, and educational institutions have largely remained closed across the valley districts as demonstrators demand swift justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible.

The protests were triggered by the April 7 explosion in Bishnupur that killed a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl, sparking outrage and grief across the Manipur valley district.

Authorities have stepped up security in sensitive areas, warning that anti-social elements may attempt to exploit the demonstrations. Officials say the situation is being closely monitored to prevent further escalation.

Organisers of the bandh have announced that the shutdown will continue until April 23 and may intensify if their demands are not addressed.

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on April 19 has appealed to all civil society groups and sections of the public to reconsider and withdraw the proposed five-day total shutdown in the interest of public welfare and normal functioning in the State. He was addressing the media during a press conference held today at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal.

He assured that the State government has been taking note of the public demands and is addressing the concerns seriously. The Minister said that almost all demands raised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Tronglaobi Incident have been agreed to by the government.

Meanwhile, the Tronglaobi Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed in response to the same incident, has categorically denied any involvement in the ongoing shutdown, reports The Sangai Express

JAC co-convenor Sinam Ajit Kumar on April 20 clarified that the committee neither called nor supports the bandh. He said confusion arose after a press note announcing the shutdown was released during a gathering on April 18, creating the impression that the JAC was associated with it.

“The JAC is in no way connected to the shutdown,” Kumar stated, adding that the individuals who initiated the bandh failed to attend a public meeting convened by the committee to discuss the matter.

Despite distancing itself from the shutdown, the JAC confirmed it will continue its own agitation, including an economic blockade, until its demands are met by the state government.

The committee has outlined several key demands, including:

• A time-bound military crackdown on militants in hill areas under documented supervision
• Redeployment of central and state security forces in specified regions
• Enhanced security arrangements in vulnerable areas
• Adequate compensation for the victims’ families
• Transparency in handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
• Written assurances from the government on all demands, including a clear timeline for the NIA probe

The JAC has also stated that the families of the victims will not claim the bodies until these demands are fulfilled.

According to Kumar, the government has yet to provide written assurances, and no agreement has been reached so far. He reiterated that the committee’s agitation will continue until concrete action is taken.

The situation remains tense as both the shutdown and separate protest movements continue in the valley.