Manipur has experienced more than 500 days of shutdowns and economic blockades since the ethnic violence began on May 3, 2023.
According to official Home Department records cited by The Sangai Express, the state recorded 523 days of bandh, shutdowns or economic blockades between May 3, 2023, and September 8, 2026.
The same data shows that internet services faced suspension for 385 days during the period from May 3, 2023, to April 4, 2026.
The figures underline the scale of disruption that Manipur has experienced over more than three years.
2026 Records Highest Number of Shutdown Days
The data shows that shutdowns have continued across Manipur even after the initial phase of violence.
In 2023, the state recorded 107 days of bandh, shutdowns and economic blockades. Of these, 46 days involved bandhs or shutdowns, while economic blockades accounted for 61 days.
The number increased to 113 days in 2024. The state recorded 63 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 50 days of economic blockades that year.
In 2025, the combined figure stood at 78 days. This included 49 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 29 days of economic blockades.
The highest figure came in 2026. By September 8, Manipur had recorded 225 days of shutdowns, bandhs and economic blockades.
Internet Services Suspended for 385 Days
Internet restrictions have also remained a recurring feature of the crisis.
Official figures cited in the report show 385 days of internet suspension between May 3, 2023, and April 4, 2026.
The largest number occurred in 2023. Internet services remained suspended across the entire state for 218 days that year.
Authorities have repeatedly used internet restrictions during periods of unrest. Officials have cited concerns about misinformation, rumours and the possible mobilisation of crowds through social media and messaging platforms.
The restrictions have affected mobile data, broadband and other internet services in different parts of the state at different times.
2026 Saw Several Fresh Internet Restrictions
Internet restrictions continued in 2026 despite the passage of three years since the conflict began.
In February, the Manipur government suspended internet services in Ukhrul district from February 10 to February 15 amid local unrest. Reports also indicated that the restrictions covered neighbouring areas.
In April, authorities suspended broadband, mobile internet, VSAT and VPN services in several districts following fresh unrest.
One restriction ran from April 7 to April 18 in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur. Another three-day suspension followed from April 25 to April 28 in the same five districts.
These episodes added to the state’s already extensive record of internet disruptions.
Curfews Added to the Disruptions
Shutdowns and internet restrictions form only part of the restrictions recorded since the conflict began.
According to the official records cited by The Sangai Express, Manipur experienced 261 days of curfew between May 3, 2023, and April 9, 2026.
The restrictions affected either the entire state or individual districts and areas at different times.
The report also noted an exceptionally long curfew in Litan village of Ukhrul district. The village remained under curfew for 209 days between February 8 and September 4, 2026.
Shutdowns Continue Amid New Protests
The state has continued to face shutdowns and protests in recent months.
In August 2026, a 48-hour shutdown called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation affected several valley districts. The organisation was demanding an assurance on the National Register of Citizens before the Census.
Markets, educational institutions and public transport were affected during the shutdown. The organisation also announced a boycott of government institutions.
On September 1, another statewide general strike affected the five valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching.
Shops and markets remained closed, while schools, colleges and public transport services faced disruption.
Government Appeals for End to Agitations
The Manipur government has recently appealed to organisations involved in protests to withdraw actions that disrupt normal public life.
On September 14, government representatives urged the Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation to call off its agitation related to the NRC and Census.
The government said continued closure of government offices could cause hardship for the public. Officials also appealed for peaceful engagement and dialogue.
The appeal came as protests over the Census and NRC continued to affect parts of the state.
Economic and Social Impact
Repeated shutdowns can affect several areas of daily life.
Markets, transport services, educational institutions and government offices can face interruptions when organisations call general strikes or blockades.
Economic blockades can also affect the movement of essential goods between different parts of the state.
Internet restrictions create another layer of disruption. People may lose access to digital payments, online education, communication platforms and other internet-based services during a suspension.
The scale of the recorded shutdowns therefore provides an indication of how frequently normal activities have faced interruption since 2023.
Conflict Continues to Affect Security Situation
The shutdown figures come against the backdrop of continuing security concerns in Manipur.
On September 13, four people were killed in separate attacks on Kuki settlements in Tamenglong district, according to reports. The incidents also left others injured and raised fresh concerns about civilian security.
Such incidents have continued to influence the security environment and public response in different parts of the state.
The prolonged crisis has also displaced tens of thousands of people. An April 2026 report citing an RTI response from the Manipur Home Department said 58,821 people had been displaced by March 30, 2026.
Normal Life Remains Vulnerable to Disruption
The figures from the Home Department show that Manipur’s difficulties have extended well beyond the initial outbreak of violence in May 2023.
The state recorded 523 days of shutdowns, bandhs and economic blockades in just over three years. It also recorded 385 days of internet suspension during the period covered by the available official data.
The continuing protests in 2026 demonstrate that public mobilisation remains a major feature of the state’s political and social landscape.
At the same time, fresh security incidents continue to create challenges for authorities.
Manipur Faces a Long Road to Stability
The record of shutdowns, economic blockades, curfews and internet restrictions highlights the prolonged disruption faced by people in Manipur.
The figures do not by themselves establish the causes or responsibility for each shutdown or internet suspension. Different organisations have called protests over different issues, while authorities have imposed internet restrictions citing security concerns.
What the data does show is the frequency and duration of these disruptions since May 2023. With 2026 already recording the highest number of shutdown and blockade days in the available yearly breakdown, restoring uninterrupted public life remains a significant challenge for the state.