The shutdown was called on Monday to protest how the state government was treating leaders of the Naga ethnic group.
[Apem, General Secretary, All Naga Students’ Assoc.]:
"The way and the manner in which the state government treated our leaders like criminals is very unfortunate, and we feel that this is the only option how we demonstrate our resentment."
Locals are also supporting the shutdown.
[Abdul, Local]:
"We totally are against attitude of the Manipur government, and therefore, we have no option but this is the only way out to address our grievances."
Last April, the Nagas forced an economic blockade in Manipur that paralyzed normal life for 68 days. That was to protest the government ignoring the demands of the Naga people.
They have been demanding a separate state.