On January 3, 2025, parts of Manipur were brought to a standstill as ethnic organizations called for an 11-hour shutdown in response to the killings of 10 individuals by paramilitary soldiers. The tragic incident, which took place during an operation to curb ongoing violence in the state, has only fueled the already tense ethnic conflict in the region.
Following the deaths, schools, businesses, and public institutions in several districts of Manipur were closed in solidarity with the victims and as part of the protest. Local communities, particularly from the Kuki and Meitei ethnic groups, have been deeply affected by the incident, and calls for justice have been growing louder. Ethnic organizations are demanding accountability from the central government and the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from the region.
This tragic event adds to the mounting ethnic violence in Manipur, which has already seen hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement since the conflict erupted in May 2023. The region continues to struggle with ethnic tensions, with both sides accusing the other of provoking violence and inflaming the situation.
The shutdown was a clear message of dissent against the central security forces, whose presence in the region has been a source of contention for many locals. While authorities have yet to respond officially to the demands, the protests and calls for withdrawal of troops underscore the growing instability and deepening divide in the state.