Tensions escalate in Manipur as protesters target ministerial homes following recovery of bodies

Manipur: Meitei group issues 24-hour ultimatum to state Govt to take ‘decisive action’ against militants

Manipur witnessed violent protests on Sunday after the bodies of six missing persons were recovered, with demonstrators targeting the residences of state ministers and MLAs, ransacking their properties and setting some of them ablaze. As the violence escalated, protesters attempted to storm the house of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, prompting a swift response from security forces who fired tear gas to disperse crowds in various parts of the capital, Imphal.

Protesters attacked the homes of several prominent political figures, including Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh, Municipal Administration Minister Y Khemchand, and BJP MLA R K Imo, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. At least three ministers’ residences and six MLAs’ properties were ransacked, with some being set on fire. Additionally, two churches and three homes were reported to have been burned in Jiribam town.

Security forces, including the Army, Assam Rifles, and state police, have been deployed to restore order. However, with tensions running high, the state government imposed a total curfew in several districts of Imphal Valley, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Internet services have been suspended in seven districts for the next two days to prevent the spread of inflammatory content.

The unrest follows the recovery of bodies believed to be of victims abducted by Kuki militants during a raid on a police station on November 11. The bodies of two women and a child, who had been missing since Monday from a camp for displaced persons, were found in the Barak River in Jiribam. Three other bodies, including a woman and two children, were discovered on Friday night.

In response to the growing crisis, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state and work toward restoring peace. “The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. The central and state governments must make every effort to bring reconciliation and peace,” Gandhi said.

Amid the chaos, the Manipur government has called on the Centre to review and consider withdrawing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from areas under six police stations in the state. The Centre had recently reimposed AFSPA in these areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam.

Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a key civil society organization, has demanded military action against militants within 24 hours and the immediate repeal of AFSPA.

The Union Home Ministry has expressed concern over the fragile security situation in Manipur and warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in violent or disruptive activities. Important cases, including those related to the recent unrest, have been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further inquiry.

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