The ongoing unrest in Manipur reached a critical point on Saturday as violent protests and attacks rocked the state capital, Imphal. The situation unfolded in response to the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children, identified as part of six missing Meitei individuals from the violence-hit Jiribam district, reports Indian Express.
Indefinite Curfew Imposed in Imphal West
The tragedy sparked widespread anger, prompting the authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in Imphal West. The protests quickly escalated into violence, with mobs targeting the homes of political leaders and setting vehicles and properties ablaze.
Among the residences attacked were those of several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s son-in-law Rajkumar Imo Singh, state ministers, and MLAs. Late Saturday, a mob attempted to storm the Chief Minister’s private residence in Heingang, though he was absent at the time. Security forces deployed tear gas and blank fire to disperse the crowd.
Targeted Attacks on Political Leaders
Protesters accused politicians of failing to protect innocent lives amid the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. Several homes were vandalised, and vehicles were set ablaze in Imphal amid the unrest. At RK Imo Singh’s residence, a mob overpowered security forces, setting furniture on fire before firefighters contained the blaze. Sapam Kunjakeswor’s residence suffered extensive property damage, with vehicles also torched. Similar attacks targeted the homes of Kh Raghumani Singh, Sapam Nishikanta, and Kh Joykisan Singh. At Y Susindro’s residence, protesters hurled stones, prompting security personnel to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd. “Politicians have failed the people,” a protester said. “They are not fit to hold on to their chairs after failing to protect innocent civilians.”
Jiribam: The Flashpoint
The unrest in Imphal follows a week of bloodshed in Jiribam, where ethnic clashes claimed several lives. On Monday, a relief camp for Meiteis was attacked, allegedly by armed men, leading to the deaths of 10 individuals from the Hmar community during a CRPF counter-operation. Eight people from the camp went missing after the attack, with the bodies of two elderly men found soon after. On Friday, the recovery of the bodies of a woman and two children escalated tensions further.
On Saturday night, violence spread in Jiribam as properties belonging to the Hmar community, including homes and a church, were torched by mobs.
Government Response and Internet Suspension
In response to the spiralling violence, internet services were suspended in seven districts, including the Meitei-majority Imphal East and West and the Kuki-Zo-dominated Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts. The government justified the suspension to prevent the spread of inflammatory content on social media that could incite further violence.
The curfew order in Imphal West restricts all movement outside residences until further notice. Security forces have been directed to take stringent measures to restore law and order.
Centre’s Intervention and AFSPA Debate
The Union government acknowledged the fragile security scenario in Manipur, calling for strict action against those involved in violence. It directed the state to transfer significant cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Additionally, the Manipur government requested the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from areas under six police stations, signalling a potential shift in its security approach.
Conclusion: A State on Edge
The violent events in Imphal and Jiribam underscore the deepening ethnic and political divisions in Manipur. As the state grapples with its worst unrest in recent times, restoring peace and ensuring justice for affected communities remains an urgent priority. The government faces immense pressure to act decisively and rebuild trust among its citizens.