Manipur Schools and Colleges Closed Until August 22 Amid JFD Protests
Manipur has closed schools, colleges and universities from August 20 to 22 amid JFD protests demanding NRC updation before the census.
AC Team
Imphal, August 20, 2026: Schools, colleges and universities across Manipur will remain closed from August 20 to August 22 due to the current law-and-order situation. The state Education Department issued the closure order as protests linked to the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, or JFD, continued in several valley districts.
The shutdown covers all government, government-aided and private educational institutions. Students from schools and colleges affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, Central Board of Secondary Education, ICSE and other boards will not attend classes during this period.
Why has Manipur declared a three-day closure?
The closure comes during a 48-hour general strike called by the JFD. The group wants the National Register of Citizens, or NRC, to be updated before the next census exercise takes place in the state.
The organisation has also asked the government to consider the return of internally displaced persons, known as IDPs, to their native places before the census is conducted. This demand has added to concerns about how population data will reflect the state’s current situation.
For students, the order means three days away from classrooms, books and the familiar race to find a missing pen before the first period. Schools and colleges have not been asked to hold regular classes during the closure.
Which educational institutions are covered?
The Education Department order applies to:
- Government schools and colleges
- Government-aided educational institutions
- Unaided and private schools
- Schools affiliated with state boards
- CBSE and other national boards
- Colleges, universities and other higher education institutions
The closure affects institutions across the state. Students should wait for updates from their school, college or university about revised class schedules, internal assessments, practical exams and other academic work.
Protests continue in valley districts
Protests were reported in parts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal. At Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East, protesters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
In Singjamei, Imphal West, dozens of protesters held a rally and marched for about two kilometres. Participants raised slogans linked to their demands on the census and the return of displaced people.
Road blockades were also reported in several locations. Protesters stopped private vehicles and security forces from moving through some areas and asked them to turn back. These actions have affected public movement and raised concerns about access to schools, offices and other services.
Government activities also affected
The JFD has announced a boycott of government offices from August 21 as part of the protest. Officials also cancelled a census training programme in Thoubal district. The programme was meant for supervisors, enumerators and field trainers.
The cancellation may affect preparations for field work in the district. The state’s decision to close educational institutions is linked to safety concerns and the need to prevent students and staff from being caught in areas affected by protests or road blockades.
What should students and parents do?
Students and parents should check official notices from their schools, colleges and universities before making travel plans. They should also look for updates on examination dates, assignment deadlines and campus services.
Since the closure covers August 20, 21 and 22, institutions may issue fresh instructions about the next working day. Families should rely on school notices and government updates rather than social media messages that do not name a source.
The Education Department’s order applies to the stated closure period. Any extension or change will depend on the situation and a further government announcement.
