Imphal, Sept 21:   An 18-hour bandh called by the militant group National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) disrupted normal life in the valley districts of Manipur today. The bandh, which began at midnight, led to the closure of markets, business establishments, and banks across the five valley districts. Public transport was notably absent, though some private vehicles were seen on the roads.

Despite the disruption, essential services were not affected, ensuring that healthcare and other critical services remained available.

The NRFM organized the bandh to protest the signing of the Manipur Merger Agreement, which was executed between Maharaja Bodhchandra of Manipur and the Government of India on this day in 1949. The agreement formally integrated Manipur into the Indian Union on October 15, 1949, a move that the militant group continues to oppose.