The 12-hour total shutdown imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) in all hill districts against the killing of Lucy Maring disrupted normal life in Chandel, Tengnoupal and Tamenglong districts.
The killing of M Lucy Maring on July 15 has sparked outrage and mobilised people to seek justice. Many demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice swiftly.
The shutdown, which lasted from 6 am to 6 pm on Monday, witnessed a large number of protesters taking to the streets and blocking roads, including NH-102, particularly in the hometown of late Lucy in Bularam near Pallel and its neighbouring village.
As a result of the shutdown, most streets in the two districts appeared deserted, with all establishments, including government offices, remaining closed. However, no untoward incidents were reported during the shutdown.
M Grace, the sister-in-law of Lucy who came out to support the shutdown, spoke to the media.
She questioned the motives behind the killing of Lucy, who was in her 50s. Expressing profound sadness and strong condemnation for the killing, Grace demanded swift and exemplary punishment to the culprits involved.
Protesters in the streets were seen holding placards bearing messages such as "We strongly condemn the brutal killing of M Lucy Maring Naga," "Do not play with the sentiments of the Naga people," and "Arrest the culprits, stop killing the Naga." They also raised slogans like "We want justice, justice for M. Lucy Maring."
Meanwhile, supported by joint tribe councils in Tamenglong district, all shops and markets, government offices, schools and institutions were totally shut down for 12 hours.
Town roads are blocked at several junctions and tyres are being burnt at several places in Tamenglong district headquarters.
Speaking to Imphal Free Press, joint tribe council convener Dr Aku stated that Nagas remained neutral in prevailing ethnic clashes of Kuki and Meitei. He said the 12 hours total shutdown is not against any community but a condemnation of the brutal killing.
The culprits should be booked and dealt with according to the law and customs of Naga. Such incidents should not happen again to any Naga in the future, he added.
In Noney district too, Schools, Colleges, Banks, Markets and Business establishments were closed.
All types of vehicles including local service were off the road along NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) including Bishnupur - Khoupum - Rengpang Road , Tamenglong - Khongsang Road and in I.T. Road.
There was no untoward incident till the filling of this report.
It may be mentioned that the UNC emergency meeting held on July 16 at UNC head office took serious note of the killing of Lucy in cold blood.
The UNC resolved to demand the state government to immediately constitute a judiciary inquiry committee and arrest those perpetrators of the crime and exemplary punishment should be initiated upon the culprits.
"The cold blooded killing of Naga sister Lucy Maring should be brought to the limelight of justice biffitingly as per the naga custumary law," the UNC demanded.
Also Read: Manipur Violence: UNC imposes 12-hour shutdown
