Imphal: All schools, colleges and universities in Manipur will remain shut for three days from Thursday amid heightened tensions linked to protests over the demand for an updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census is carried out in the state, ANI reported.
The state government announced the closure on Wednesday, citing the “prevailing law and order situation”. The shutdown will remain in force from August 20 to August 22.
According to an order issued by the Education Department, the decision applies to schools affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education, the Council of Higher Secondary Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education and other boards.
Government, aided and unaided colleges, higher education institutions and universities have also been brought under the order.
The order stated, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to declare the closure of all schools as may be affiliated to the Board of Secondary Education, the Council of Higher Secondary Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education or otherwise; colleges and higher education institutes including universities; falling under government, aided or unaided sectors, from Thursday, the 20th of August, 2026 to Saturday, the 22nd of August 2026.”
The Education Department asked deputy commissioners, zonal education officers and the concerned directors to ensure that the directive reaches all institutions functioning under their jurisdictions.
The order was issued by Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Manipur Government’s School Education, Higher and Technical Education, Adult Education and SCERT departments.
Protests Intensify Across Valley
The education shutdown comes as the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation continues its agitation over the NRC and the census process.
On Wednesday, the campaign’s supporters stepped up protests in several parts of Manipur’s valley districts during the second day of a 48-hour general strike. The protesters are demanding that the NRC be updated before the census exercise begins in the state, asreported by Business Standard.
At Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East, bandh supporters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam. They also insisted that the census should not be conducted until internally displaced persons are able to return to their native places.
A separate group of demonstrators organised a march at Singjamei in Imphal West. The protesters walked for nearly two kilometres while raising slogans in support of their demands.
Blockades Halt Movement, Cancel Census Training
Road blockades were reported from multiple locations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts. Protesters stopped private vehicles and, in some places, prevented security personnel from proceeding further, asking them to turn back.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation has also announced a boycott of government offices from Thursday as part of its continuing protest programme.
Meanwhile, officials said a training session for census supervisors, enumerators and field trainers was cancelled in Thoubal district amid the unrest.