Normal life was disrupted across several valley districts of Manipur on September 1 as a 24-hour bandh was observed over demands linked to the National Register of Citizens and the Census exercise.
Markets, educational institutions and many businesses remained closed during the shutdown. Public transport was also affected in several districts, leaving roads largely deserted in many areas.
The protest was organised by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, which has been demanding that the NRC be updated before the Census process is carried out in the state.
The Centre recently decided to defer the Census exercise in Manipur following discussions involving senior officials and state representatives. However, protest organisers continued with the bandh, saying there was no formal order available to them confirming the deferment at the time the shutdown was planned.
The state government has appealed to protesters to withdraw the strike. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the disruption affects transportation, businesses and educational activities.
The issue highlights continuing political and social sensitivities surrounding population records, delimitation and administrative exercises in Manipur.
The Census is an important national exercise because its data is used for planning public services, infrastructure and government programmes. In Manipur, however, the process has become closely connected with demands concerning identity documentation and the updating of the NRC.
Authorities are expected to continue discussions with civil society organisations in an effort to prevent further disruption while addressing concerns raised by different groups
