Anger erupted in Manipur’s jiribam district as security forces used tear gas to control a mob protesting the discovery of six bodies, further fuelling tension in the conflict-stricken region.
Civil Society Groups Demand Immediate Action, State Government Implements Curfews
Civil society groups in Manipur have issued a 24 hour ultimatum to the state government demanding decisive action armed militant groups. Manipur witnessed unrest again Saturday evening after a mob attempted to breach the residence of Chief Minister (CM) N Biren Singh.Security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the mob, which had gathered in anger following the discovery of 6 missing bodies in Jiribam district. Among the dead were an infant and 2 women, intensifying public outrage over the government’s alleged inaction and lack of communication.
The bodies, including that of an 8 month old child, were recorded from the Barak River in Jiribam. These individuals had been missing since Monday following violent clashes where 10 armed kuki men were killed in a gunfight with security forces.
The six Meitei victims were a 25 year old woman and her two young children, a 31 year old woman and her daughter, and a 60 year old woman. They were allegedly abducted by kuki militants. The bodies have been to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam for autopsy.
The minister whose residences were stormed by protesters include Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L Susindro Singh and Municipal Administration and Housing Development Minister Y Khemchand. Other targets include BJP MLA RK imo, who is the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
In response to the escalation violence, the state government imposed indefinite curfews in 5 districts, Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching. Internet service were suspended across 7 districts as authorities struggled to contain the situation.
24 people involved in ransacking and setting fire to the houses of MLAs and minister were arrested in Imphal and Bishnupur. Police also recovered a pistol, seven rounds of Single Barrel Breech Loader (SSBL) ammunition, and eight mobile phones, officials said on Sunday.
Calling it a “disturbing” development Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called on the Prime Minister (PM) to visit the state. “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 towards restoring peace and healing in the region,”he said.
Rising Tensions Between Meitei and Kuki Communities Lead to Violence and Displacement
The ongoing clashes between the Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes collectively known as the Kukis a team introduced during British colonial rule have claimed over 220 live and dis displayed nearly 50,000 people within Manipur.
The Meiteis classified as a general category group are, seeking including under the Scheduled Tribes category while Kukis, who share ethnic ties with Myanmar’s Chin State and Mizoram, are advocating for a separate administration carved out of Manipur.
Manipur’s Government Requests AFSPA Review Amid Ongoing Crisis
Manipur government has formally required the Centre to review and withdraw AFSPA from 6 police station jurisdictions. A letter from the joint Secretary (Home) to the Centre mentioned that the state cabinet had deliberated on the matter and recommended review of the declaration designating these areas as “disturbed” under AFSPA.
Resolving the ongoing crisis in Manipur requires a committed effort to bridge divides, ensure justice, and foster lasting peace through dialogue and equitable governance.