Tensions escalated in Imphal as citizens took to the streets to protest against the political rally of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, organised by the BJP, amid a year-long crisis in Manipur.

The protestors, primarily locals and vendors, initiated roadblocks at several key locations in Imphal East, including Lamlong Bazar and Wangkhei, to hinder the attendance of BJP supporters at Amit Shah's rally at Hapta Kangjeibung Ground.

In a particularly intense display of dissent, protestors on New Checkon Road in Imphal East resorted to burning tyres and other objects, obstructing the road and causing disruptions to traffic flow.

The protestors expressed strong disapproval of Amit Shah's visit to Manipur for an election campaign, criticising the central government's inaction and neglect towards the state during the ongoing crisis.

"Visiting Manipur for election campaign while neglecting the state for almost one year is an insult and mockery to the people of Manipur," voiced one of the protestors, recalling Amit Shah's previous three-day visit to the state and his unfulfilled promise to revisit after 15 days.

Meanwhile, volunteers of the Youth of Manipur (YOM) along with women vendors in Manipur also gathered at Khwairamband Bazar in Imphal to protest against the visit of Amit Shah. Holding banners displaying the faces of those who have died or gone missing during the ongoing crisis, they declared, "We don't want elections at the cost of our lives."

A leader of the YOM stated, "Given the neglect of the people of Manipur by the BJP-led government during this year-long crisis, Mr. Amit Shah is not welcome in Manipur."