Manipur's Law and Order on the Brink as Bazaar Community Calls for 24-Hour Shutdown Amid Ethnic Conflict
CONFLICT
Imphal: The heart of Imphal has come to a standstill as the Bazaar Shop Owners community declared a 24-hour total shutdown in Khwairamband Bazaar, signaling a worrying deterioration in law and order.
This shutdown, effective from Monday midnight until Tuesday midnight, has paralyzed business activities, further exacerbating the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
From early Monday morning, shops remained shuttered, and the usually bustling Thangal Bazaar and MG Avenue, which supply stock for the entire state, have fallen silent. Even the Paona Bazaar Masjid road, typically thriving during morning hours, has been eerily quiet. The retail market in Thangal Bazaar's Alu Gali, known for its lively atmosphere, along with Paona International Market and the major Kaul area, have also shut down completely.
The shutdown stems from various escalating problems in the bazaar area. The Bazaar Shop Owners community, representing both small and large shop owners, unanimously decided on this drastic measure, citing recent violent incidents as a catalyst. Notably, residents of Thangal Bazaar were assaulted at night, prompting widespread fear and unrest.
In response to these assaults, Manipur police made significant arrests on May 13. Seven individuals, including five minors, were detained for their involvement in the nighttime attacks. The suspects, identified through CCTV footage, included Khumukcham Brainny Singh, 19, of Kongba Makha Nandeibam, Imphal East, and RK Ronish Singh, 22, of Keishampat Thokchom Leikai, Imphal West. The minors were taken into custody as individuals in conflict with the law (CCL).
Despite the swift action by law enforcement, the tension remains high. The local MLA, Khumukcham Joykisan, has urged the community to avoid further incidents, warning that legal actions will be taken against those harassing bazaar residents.
This shutdown, amid the backdrop of the ongoing ethnic strife, underscores a growing fear among the populace. The paralysis of business activities not only impacts the economy but also highlights the deteriorating law and order in Manipur, raising urgent concerns about the state's stability.