IMPHAL, Dec 23: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), Council Headquarters, has expressed serious concern over reports of an indefinite shutdown of the Imphal–Saikul road stretch announced by the Imphal–Saikul Road Joint Development Committee (ISRJDC) from midnight of December 24, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, TYCM-CHQ strongly appealed to the ISRJDC to withdraw the proposed bandh in view of the upcoming Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 celebrations. The council urged that the shutdown, if unavoidable, be rescheduled after January 5, 2026, to prevent inconvenience to the general public.
The TYCM pointed out that the festive season witnesses extensive travel by people from various communities, including non-Christians, to take part in celebrations and social gatherings. It also noted that church leaders and members regularly travel between villages and Imphal during this period to procure essential goods and materials for Christmas and New Year programmes.
Warning of serious difficulties if movement is disrupted, the council said any bandh during the festive season would severely affect daily life and essential activities. TYCM-CHQ further cautioned that those enforcing the shutdown would be held solely responsible for any untoward incidents arising from restricted movement during the festive period.
