Shutdown in Manipur to mark two years of ethnic strife hits life

Shutdown in Manipur on May 3, 2025, marks two years of ethnic strife, affecting normal life in valley and hill districts.

Shutdown called by various groups on Saturday (May 3, 2025) to mark two years of the ethnic strife in Manipur affected normal lives in both the Maitei-controlled Manipur’s Imphal Valley and the Kuki-dominated hill districts.

Meitei group Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called a shutdown in the valley districts, while the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) have imposed the shutdown in the hill districts.

It was on this day in 2023 that ethnic clashes broke out between the Meteis and Kukis, which left over 260 people killed, 1,500 injured, and over 70,000 people displaced, according to officials.

Markets were shut, public vehicles remained off the roads, and private offices remained closed across the State. A few private vehicles were seen on the roads in the morning.

Schools, colleges and other institutes were also shut.

Security forces have also been deployed at key locations to prevent any unwanted activities, officials said.

COCOMI will hold 'Manipur Peoples' Convention' at Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal. It has urged the people to attend the public meeting in large numbers.