Christmas passed peacefully in Imphal, following three days of unrest and strike. The city has been facing widespread protests over the alleged molestation of an actor by an NSCN(IM) cadre. The situation had worsened after freelance television cameraman Th Dwijamani died in police firing on December 23. But the strike was put on hold till December 26 following an appeal by the civil society organisations.

The state is likely to face another 72 hours of bandh from the midnight of December 26.

The United Naga Council has threatened to call a bandh in Naga-inhabited areas to protest against the alleged attacks on Nagas during the recent strike.

Terming the proposed bandh “discouraging and unexpected”, Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam has appealed to the Naga body to reconsider the decision. “It is the festive season and the state has been suffering a lot due to the frequent bandhs," he said.