Manipur shuts all schools and colleges for three days amid census protests

Manipur’s administration announced that every school, college and other educational establishment in the state will remain closed for three days. The decision was taken in response to widespread protests against the scheduled census, which officials say will be conducted before the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Protesters have expressed concerns that the census data could be used to identify and exclude certain communities from the NRC, prompting public unrest across several districts. By suspending classes, the government aims to prevent further escalation of tensions and ensure the safety of students and staff. The closure is expected to affect the academic calendar, with authorities promising to resume normal operations after the three‑day period.

The protests began after announcements linking the upcoming census to the NRC, a controversial exercise that has sparked debate nationwide. Local leaders and civil‑society groups have called for a halt to the census until broader consensus is reached. The state’s education department has advised parents and teachers to stay informed about any further directives.

No specific incidents of violence were reported at the time of the announcement, and law‑enforcement agencies remain on standby to maintain order during the shutdown.