The situation in Manipur is spiraling out of control once more. Hours after six missing individuals' bodies were found in a river in the Jiribam district, violence erupted across the state. On Saturday, protesters attacked the residences of three ministers and six legislators. Consequently, the state government has imposed a curfew in five districts and suspended internet services in some areas. Authorities report that conditions are deteriorating rapidly.
Attack on the CM's Son-in-law's House
Protesters vandalized the homes of several lawmakers, including the house of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's son-in-law. The violent mob set fire to the residences. Security forces responded with tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
Six Bodies Found in the River...
Earlier reports revealed the recovery of two women and a child's bodies from the Barak River in Jiribam on Saturday. Three additional bodies, including a woman and two children, were discovered late Friday night. These remains have been sent for post-mortem examination to the Silchar Medical College Hospital in Assam.
Source: aajtak
Ministers Targeted
The homes of the Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan, the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L. Susindro Singh, and Urban Development Minister Y. Khemchand's residences were attacked by protesters. In light of the growing unrest, the state government has enforced a curfew in the districts of Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.
Minister Offers Resignation
Protesters targeted the home of Health Minister Sapam Ranjan located at Lamphel Sanakeitheil in Imphal West district. The police informed that Sapam promised to address the issue of the six murders in a cabinet meeting and expressed readiness to resign if the government doesn't heed the public's sentiments.
Source: aajtak
Protesters also attacked the home of L. Susindro Singh, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, in Imphal East. Security forces retaliated by firing multiple rounds of tear gas shells.
The residence of Urban Development Minister Y. Khemchand in Singjamei, Imphal West district, was also targeted. Reports indicate that protesters surrounded the home of BJP MLA R.K. Imo, the Chief Minister's son-in-law, vandalizing and torching properties.
Additionally, the homes of BJP MLA Sapam Kunjakesore and MLA Joykishan Singh sustained damage. A vehicle was reportedly set ablaze in front of MLA Sapam Kunjakesore’s house.
Protesters Moving Towards Secretariat
Protesters ignited tires on the streets of Thangmeiband near the MPL Assembly House. The police used tear gas shells to disperse protestors advancing toward the Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister's Secretariat near Keisampat Bridge.
State Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi has ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services for two days in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. The Coordination Committee of Manipur's Indigenous Peoples (COCOMI) demanded military action against insurgents within 24 hours. COCOMI spokesperson K. Athouba also called for the immediate repeal of the recently reinstated Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Unrest Roots in Kidnapping
A few days prior, security forces in Manipur eliminated at least 11 armed Kuki extremists during an attack on a police station in Borobekra, Jiribam district. On November 11, around 3:30 PM, Kuki extremists attacked a CRPF camp in Borobekra, Jiribam. CRPF retaliated and in the ensuing confrontation, 11 Kuki militants were killed.
After the attack, three women and three children went missing, reportedly kidnapped by Kuki insurgents in Jiribam. Among the abducted, three bodies were found in Jirighat.
Origins of Violence in Manipur
The unrest in Manipur began last year on May 3, following an order by the Manipur High Court against which the Kuki-Zo tribal community protested, leading to arson and vandalism. The Meitei community had petitioned the Manipur High Court to grant them tribal status.
The Meitei community argued they had tribal status prior to Manipur's merger with India in 1949. Post-hearing, the Manipur High Court recommended the state government consider the Meitei community’s inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.
