NEW DELHI: Manipur remains on high alert following violent protests sparked by the discovery of six bodies, including those of women and children, allegedly abducted and killed by militants in the Jiribam district. In response to escalating tensions, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in multiple districts of Imphal Valley and suspended internet services to curb the spread of unrest. The discovery of the bodies, along with widespread protests, has prompted severe security measures, including the deployment of army and Assam Rifles personnel.
On the morning of Sunday, November 17, piles of debris were found on roads in Imphal, a day after protesters ransacked the homes of three state ministers and six legislators. The violence saw agitators attack several residences, including that of chief minister N Biren Singh’s son-in-law, BJP MLA R K Imo, and other prominent political figures. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse crowds as violent protests continued throughout the valley.
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The violence erupted after six individuals, three women and three children, went missing from a relief camp in Jiribam following a gunfight between militants and security forces. The bodies were later found in two separate incidents: three bodies, including those of a woman and two children, were discovered near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers, while the remaining bodies were recovered on Saturday. The discovery has led to widespread protests, with angry demonstrators targeting the homes of local politicians and public representatives.
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Here are the top developments
24 hour ultimatum by civic groups
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded military action against the militants responsible for the deaths, within 24 hours. The group also called for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which was reimposed in several districts earlier this month.
“There have been reports of further arson and the burning of additional structures by miscreants, but these claims have not yet been independently verified,” the officials told news agency PTI.
Indefinite curfew imposed, internet suspended
In response to the escalating violence, a total curfew has been imposed in Imphal East, West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts of Imphal Valley. The curfew was enforced after violent protests and attacks on political figures’ residences.
Authorities have temporarily suspended internet services across seven districts, including Imphal West and East, to prevent the spread of inflammatory content and to maintain law and order.
Security reinforcements deployed
Protesters attacked the homes of several MLAs, including those of the chief minister’s son-in-law and BJP legislator R K Imo, as well as ministers such as Sapam Ranjan, L Susindro Singh, and Y Khemchand. The violence resulted in property damage and arson.
In response to the unrest, heavy security forces, including the Army and Assam Rifles, have been deployed in Imphal. Flag marches have been conducted, and additional checkpoints have been set up across vulnerable areas.
Arson in Jiribam, police arrest 23
Manipur police arrested 23 individuals involved in the ransacking and arson of public figures’ homes. Authorities have also recovered firearms, including a .32 pistol, and several mobile phones from those arrested.
Miscreants set fire to at least two churches and three houses in Jiribam town, according to officials.
Rahul Gandhi urges PM to visit Manipur
Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and address the escalating violence. In a post on X, he said, “The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution. I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region.”
‘Na Manipur ek hai, na safe hai’: Kharge
Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of deliberately letting the violence in Manipur continue for political reasons. He posted on X, “We are saying it with utmost responsibility that it looks that the BJP deliberately wants Manipur to burn, for it serves its hateful divisive politics.” He also criticized Prime Minister Modi’s response to the crisis, saying, “if you visit Manipur in future, people of the state will never forgive or forget that you left them to fend for themselves, and never set foot in their state to heal their miseries and find a solution.” He also pointed out the growing toll, adding, “At least 17 people have lost their lives since November 7.”