Manipur closes schools amid NRC protests

The Manipur government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and higher education institutions across the state from August 20 to August 22, citing a deteriorating law and order situation. The directive, issued by the Education Department on August 19, comes as protests intensify over demands to update the National Register of Citizens before the upcoming census exercise.

The closure affects all educational institutions, including those affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education, Council of Higher Secondary Education, and Central Board of Secondary Education, as well as government, aided, and unaided colleges and universities. The order was issued by Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the state's education departments, and directs deputy commissioners and education officers to ensure compliance.

The shutdown coincides with a 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, a Meitei group. Protesters are demanding that the NRC be updated to identify undocumented migrants before the census is conducted. On August 19, the second day of the strike, demonstrators took out rallies and burnt effigies of Chief Minister Y....