Key Takeaways
- The Traders and business community shut down Imphal markets to demand peace in Manipur.
- Protests spread to Moreh and Churachandpur, with displaced residents seeking to return home.
- The government imposed internet restrictions while attempting to restore broadband services.
Imphal: The main markets at Imphal were closed down on Friday as the traders and business community staged a sit-in protest at Thangal Keithel to demand restoration of peace.
All Bazar Community and Traders organization said the protest was held on the theme “Ahimsa (non-violence) Pramo Dharma ” live and let Live ” for restoration of Peace in the entire state of Manipur ‘ .
The closure of the main markets in Imphal affected normal supply of all goods. Meanwhile, displaced people from the border town of Moreh and Churachandpur also staged protests demanding restoration of peace. Houses, shops, hotels, newspaper offices at Moreh which were vacated after the Meitei populace were evicted by another community were burnt and demolished since Tuesday last. About 12 persons who were detained for burning the houses were released.
The displaced people said they want to return to the houses even though they have to reconstruct the houses. After the May 3 incident at Churachandpur district, the internet was suspended.
The government has decided to restore broadband facilities by blocking all social media platforms, restricting wi fi, use of the internet by using a static IP address and other restrictions. The service providers have started collecting undertakings from subscribers and internet service with restrictions are likely to be provided . Mobile internet will remain suspended.
