Manipur closes schools amid NRC protests

The India — Manipur government ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the state from August 20 to August 22, 2026, citing the prevailing law-and-order situation. The order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ningthoujam Geoffrey in the name of the Governor, applies to all schools, colleges, and universities affiliated with various boards, including the India — Board of Secondary Education Manipur, the India — Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, and the India — Central Board of Secondary Education. The closure follows a 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), a Meitei organisation, which ended at midnight on August 19-20. The JFD is demanding that the India — National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated, preferably with 1951 as the base year, before the ongoing Census 2027 exercise proceeds in the state. During the strike, normal life was largely paralysed in the five valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, with markets shut, public transport off the roads, and road blockades enforced. Protesters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam. The JFD has announced a boycott of government offices from August 20, while exempting health, education, electricity, and water supply services. The group also urged nightly torch rallies and awareness programmes. The self-enumeration phase of Census 2027 began on August 17, with house-listing operations scheduled from September 1 to 30. The unrest is set against the backdrop of ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that erupted in May 2023, leaving hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced. President's Rule was imposed in February 2025 and lifted in early February 2026 when Yumnam Khemchand Singh of the India — Bharatiya Janata Party became Chief Minister. While large-scale clashes have subsided, sporadic violence and tensions continue. A census training programme was cancelled in Thoubal district.