While Manipur was gripped under violence for many months, the issue grabbed the national headline when three women were stripped & paraded publically by a mob of men and also gang-raped. The issue sparked nationwide outrage with the opposition parties demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a discussion over it in the parliament during the Monsoon session. The Manipuri women paraded video was so horrific that even Prime Minister Modi had to break his silence in front of the media outside the parliament before the start of the monsoon session. PM Modi in his statement assured the nation that no guilty will be spared and also warned Chief Ministers of every state to curb crime against women and ensure their safety. However, the Opposition's demand to discuss the Manipur issue and the steps the Government is carrying out in the state in the parliament kept on reaching a deadlock. As a result, the Manipur issue is yet to be addressed in the parliament. Now, Punjab Bandh has been called on Wednesday over the Manipur issue.
As per reports, Valmiki, Ravidasia, and the Christian organizations have called for Punjab bandh on August 9 in the wake of the violent clashes and brutal treatment meted out to several women in Manipur. Leaders of these communities say that Dalit women are being tortured in Manipur, but the BJP government at the Center has failed to stop it. It is shameful that after the failure of the government, the Supreme Court itself had to take cognizance. Notably, the communities have outlined that Punjab Bandh will be peaceful and no ruckus will be created in the state during the shutdown. The communities further stated that Highways and shops on it will be closed. They also urged shopkeepers to keep their shops closed. However, clarified that emergency services like ambulances, and fire brigades will not be stopped.
It is pertinent to mention here that private schools in multiple districts of Punjab are closed today including in Jalandhar. However, there is no official announcement from the Punjab government that whether the government schools will remain shut or not. Furthermore, no decisions over the closure of Colleges have been taken as well.
Notably, transport services are also likely to function normally as the government has not suspended any services on Punjab Bandh day. However, as announced by communities that they will block the highways, commuters might have to wait for longer period of time to board any kind of public transport. Furthermore, private and government banks are likely to open, also petrol pumps. While organized markets and shopping malls are expected to be shut down, small and emergency shops are likely to be open.
Manipur crisis update
Manipur viral videos: SC takes suo moto cognizance, seeks report from Centre & state by July 28
On Monday, the Central Government sent 800 additional security personnel to the violence-hit state of Manipur. Besides, Manipur CM is facing a new challenge--an "indefinite social boycott" by Meitei's outfit, as well as, the Kuki People’s Alliance. Notably, the seriousness of the Manipur issue can be understood by the fact is at present, around 125 companies of different paramilitary forces have been deployed in the state and nearly 164 columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles. One company has around 120-135 personnel. There are around 55-70 personnel in one army column.
What's happening in Manipur?
The state of Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 3 this year between the majority the Meiteis, concentrated in Imphal valley, and the Kukis, occupying the hills. Over 160 (tentative number) people have been killed in the violence so far.