IMPHAL | The Manipur government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and higher educational institutions across the state from August 20 to 22 amid escalating protests over the demand to conduct the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise before the Census.

The Education Department issued the order on August 19, citing the prevailing law and order situation. The directive covers institutions affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, CBSE and other boards, besides colleges and universities. The closure applies to government, aided and unaided institutions across the state.

The decision came as a 48-hour general strike called by the Just Fair Delimitation (JFD) was nearing its conclusion on Wednesday night. Authorities reportedly apprehended that students could be mobilised for further protests as the agitation enters a new phase. Students from several educational institutions in Imphal had participated in rallies and demonstrations ahead of the strike.

Those reported to have joined the protests included students of TG Higher Secondary School, Johnstone Higher Secondary School, CC Higher Secondary School and Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School. Educational institutions had remained closed during the two-day strike. With the shutdown ending at midnight on Wednesday, the government extended the closure as a precautionary measure from Thursday to Saturday.

The order was issued in the name of the Governor by Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Commissioner-cum-Secretary in charge of School Education, Higher and Technical Education, Adult Education and SCERT. Night clashes in New Checkon Tensions escalated in New Checkon in Imphal East on Wednesday night, where protesters clashed with police during the final hours of the general strike.

The confrontation continued until around midnight, with police using tear gas and stun guns after protesters allegedly damaged public property. Officials said the protesters involved in the night-time confrontation were not students. The clashes reportedly involved protesters and other miscreant elements amid heightened tensions following the strike. The JFD’s 48-hour strike was organised to press the demand for conducting the NRC before the Census.

The organisation has now announced a fresh phase of agitation, including a boycott of state and Central government offices, while exempting essential services such as healthcare, education, electricity and water supply. The group has also announced mass sit-in demon strations and night-time torch rallies across Manipur.

The latest developments have prompted authorities to strengthen security arrangements in Imphal and other valley areas, with security agencies monitoring the situation amid concerns over further mobilisation. The Education Department has directed Deputy Commissioners, Zonal Education Officers and other concerned authorities to circulate the closure order to all educational institutions.

The directive has also been forwarded to the registrars of Manipur University, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur Technical University and Manipur University of Culture. The government is expected to assess the law and order situation before deciding on the reopening of educational institutions after August 22.