Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has appealed to civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to refrain from calling bandhs and general strikes, saying frequent shutdowns have a severe impact on daily-wage earners, students and other vulnerable sections of society.
The Chief Minister made the appeal after returning from New Delhi, where he held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Khemchand urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the government in addressing public concerns and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur.
CM Highlights Impact of Bandhs on Vulnerable Sections
Expressing concern over repeated shutdowns, Khemchand said bandhs and general strikes often affect those sections of society that are least able to withstand economic disruptions.
Daily-wage earners are among the worst affected during prolonged shutdowns as many depend on their everyday income to meet household expenses. The closure of markets, disruption of transportation and suspension of normal commercial activity can leave such workers without earnings.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact on students and other vulnerable groups, noting that frequent disruptions can affect education, access to essential services and normal daily life.
Appeal to CSOs and Stakeholders
Khemchand appealed to civil society organisations and other groups to avoid using bandhs and general strikes as a means of expressing their concerns.
Instead, he called for cooperation and collective efforts to address public issues through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
The Chief Minister said the government remained committed to addressing the concerns and aspirations of the people and urged stakeholders to contribute towards maintaining peace and stability in the state.
His appeal came amid continuing public discussions and protests over issues including the demand for an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Census process in Manipur.
Shutdowns Disrupt Economic and Educational Activities
Recent strikes and shutdowns in Manipur’s valley districts have significantly affected normal life, with commercial establishments, transport services and educational institutions facing disruptions.
Reports said public demonstrations continued in several areas despite the Centre’s decision to defer Census operations in the state. The disruptions affected the movement of people and goods while also impacting economic activity and educational institutions.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure that public grievances are addressed without causing prolonged hardship to ordinary citizens.
For economically weaker sections, particularly daily-wage earners and small traders, even a short period of disruption can result in a loss of income. Khemchand’s appeal therefore focused on balancing the right to express concerns with the need to protect the livelihoods and welfare of vulnerable citizens.
Centre Defers Census Exercise in Manipur
The Chief Minister also spoke about the Centre’s decision to defer the Census exercise in Manipur.
According to Khemchand, the decision followed discussions concerning demands for the implementation or updating of the NRC before the Census process moves forward.
The Census issue has emerged as a major subject of public debate in Manipur, with different organisations raising concerns regarding demographic and citizenship-related matters. The deferment of the Census is expected to provide time for further discussions and consultations on the issues raised by various stakeholders.
Amit Shah’s Proposed Visit to Manipur
Khemchand also referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Manipur in October.
The Chief Minister said the state was looking forward to the Home Minister’s visit, which is expected to provide an opportunity for further discussions on issues concerning Manipur and the ongoing efforts to restore stability and normalcy.
The Chief Minister had recently held discussions with Shah in New Delhi, where matters concerning the state, including the Census and NRC-related concerns, were discussed.
National Highway Connectivity Restored
Highlighting recent improvements in connectivity, Khemchand said the reopening of National Highway routes had helped resume inter-state movement.
According to the Chief Minister, improved connectivity is providing people with safer and more affordable travel options while also helping restore the movement of goods and services.
The restoration of transportation and connectivity is considered important for reviving normal economic activity and ensuring access to essential supplies across the state.
Call for Peace and Collective Responsibility
The Manipur CM asks CSOs to avoid bandhs appeal reflects the state government’s broader emphasis on restoring peace and preventing disruptions that affect ordinary citizens.
While acknowledging that people and organisations may have legitimate concerns, Khemchand urged stakeholders to pursue constructive and peaceful means of engagement.
He called upon civil society organisations and other sections of society to work with the government to address public issues while avoiding measures that disrupt livelihoods, education and economic activities.
As Manipur continues efforts to restore lasting normalcy, the Chief Minister’s message places particular emphasis on protecting poor and vulnerable sections from the economic consequences of repeated shutdowns and ensuring that public concerns are addressed through cooperation and dialogue.