Manipur Violence: Schools in Punjab to remain closed today due to 'bandh' by Dalit and Christian community

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TOI reported. Surjit Thapar, President of Manipur Insaaf Morcha, detailed the strategy, specifying that the state's movement would be paused from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on August 9. Also Read: Manipur Police files FIR against Assam Rifles for ‘obstructing search ops’ With a concern for potential disruptions and a priority on safeguarding children, the state authorities have opted to keep schools shut tody.

This measure is intended to avert any undesirable occurrences and uphold the students' safety. The catalyst behind this protest is a disturbing event that surfaced via a video recorded on May 4. The video depicted a distressing incident wherein a group of men publicly humiliated two women from different communities in Manipur by forcing them to parade naked.

This deeply unsettling act prompted nationwide indignation on a large scale. The bandh movement is a reaction to the broader and ongoing problem of ethnic turmoil that erupted in Manipur on May 3. The unrest ensued after a 'Tribal Solidarity March,' arranged by hill districts, was held to counter the Meitei community's plea for Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification.

With more than 160 fatalities and numerous injuries, the call for a bandh echoes as a potent plea for justice and increased awareness. Earlier on Monday, the Central government has dispatched 800 additional security personnel to Manipur as the tiny state has remained gripped in severe ethnic clashes for nearly 100 days, Hindustan Times reported. Besides, Manipur Chief Minister is facing a new challenge--an "indefinite social boycott" by Meitei's outfit, as well as, the Kuki People’s Alliance.