Lamka/Churachandpur, April 22: Churachandpur district headquarters wore a deserted look on Wednesday as a 13-hour total shutdown called by Zomi frontal organisations demanding justice for late BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte came into effect.
 |
| A deserted street in Churachandpur during the 13-hour shutdown called by Zomi organisations demanding justice for slain MLA Vungzagin Valte. |
The shutdown, organised under the aegis of the Zomi Coordination Committee, was observed from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, bringing normal life in the district to a complete standstill.
Shops, markets, offices and educational institutions remained closed across the district, while vehicular movement in Churachandpur town came to a halt. Only a few pharmaceutical stores were seen operating in some areas.
Volunteers supporting the shutdown were deployed in various localities early in the morning to enforce the protest. Objects were placed on roads to block traffic, though emergency services were allowed to pass.
Major routes connecting the district, including NH-2 (Tedim Road/Tipaimukh Road) and NH-102B (Guite Road) at Behiang, Thanlon and Sinzawl, were reportedly closed as the shutdown began.
Despite the large-scale shutdown, no untoward incidents were reported during the day. Authorities said the situation remained peaceful.
The protest was organised by several Zomi organisations including the Zomi Chiefs’ Association (ZCA), Zomi Youth Association (ZYA), Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), Central Village Defence Force (CVDF), and Zomi Mothers’ Association (ZMA).
ALSO READ: Arambai Tenggol Urges Govt to Safeguard Manipur’s Unity, Tackle Illegal Immigration & Drugs
In a joint statement issued after the shutdown, the organisations said the protest concluded peacefully at 6:00 PM and volunteers deployed for the observance were relieved of duty.
The groups expressed gratitude to the public for supporting the shutdown and acknowledged the solidarity of organisations such as the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Hmar Students’ Association along with Hmar village volunteers.
The shutdown was called following the death of Vungzagin Valte, MLA of the 56-Thanlon Assembly Constituency, whose passing after sustaining grievous injuries has sparked widespread anger in the region.
The organisations said the demand for justice in connection with Valte’s death remains unresolved and urged the public to remain united and vigilant, indicating that further collective action may be taken if necessary.
