For the past four days, daily life and economic activities in the valley districts of Manipur have been severely disrupted due to an ongoing curfew imposed since Tuesday, coupled with a blanket internet ban across all valley districts.
The measures were initiated in response to escalating student protests in Imphal, which turned violent, resulting in injuries to approximately 80 students and 10 security personnel.
Although the broadband internet ban was partially lifted on Thursday, stringent regulations remain in effect.
Even though the apex student organisation declared a temporary cessation of their agitation on Wednesday, the curfew persists.
It is speculated that the continuation of the curfew is partly due to concerns over a pregnant woman hospitalised in critical condition at RIMS, allegedly affected by teargas smoke during mob control at Kakwa late Wednesday night.
In response, police have fortified curfew enforcement at key junctions in Imphal, erecting barricades and allowing passage only to authorised vehicles intermittently.
While markets, shops (in main roads), private offices, and educational institutions remained closed, shops along village roads have cautiously reopened.
Official and private vehicles have been observed commuting, although passenger transport remains suspended.
Meanwhile, the mobile internet ban has compounded financial hardships, particularly affecting users accustomed to mobile UPI payments.
Additionally, reports indicate widespread ATM cash shortages, forcing those with cash to endure lengthy queues.
