Normal life across Manipur was severely affected today as a total shutdown called by the Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of several banned insurgent organisations, is underway to mark the “Black Day.”
Shops, markets, and commercial establishments remained closed, while streets in Imphal and other major towns were largely deserted. Public transport services were off the roads, and most government offices and educational institutions were not functioning.
The 12-hour shutdown, which began at 6 a.m., is being enforced to protest Manipur’s merger with India on October 15, 1949 — an event CorCom describes as a “forced annexation.” Essential services such as healthcare, media, and religious activities are exempted from the strike.
Security forces have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order. So far, the situation remains tense but under control, with no reports of major disturbances.
