Manipur hit by shutdown as banned group protests merger anniversary

The banned militant organization called for the shutdown to mark October 15, commemorating Manipur's accession to the Indian Union in 1949. The protest reflected ongoing separatist sentiment among sections of the population who view the merger as a contested historical event.

Businesses, markets, and educational institutions remained closed throughout the day in response to the shutdown call. Transportation services were disrupted, with public vehicles largely off the roads, disrupting the daily routines of residents across the state.

The KCP-Apunba has long been designated as a proscribed organization by Indian authorities due to its militant activities. The group's continued ability to mobilize shutdowns underscores persistent challenges to security and governance in Manipur, a state that has grappled with armed insurgency and civil unrest for decades.

The shutdown comes amid ongoing tensions in the northeastern state, which has experienced repeated cycles of violence and protests. Various separatist groups in Manipur have historically used such observances to assert their political positions and maintain visibility despite government restrictions.