Violence in Manipur continued to worsen on Monday, with one protester killed and six others dying in separate incidents. Clashes between civilians and security forces have intensified, prompting authorities to impose curfews and an internet shutdown in several districts, including Imphal East and West. The Manipur violence has raised serious concerns about public safety and law and order in the region. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair a high-level meeting to review the situation and develop strategies to restore stability.
Protester Killed in Clashes in Jiribam
On Sunday night, a young protester named K. Athouba, aged in his twenties, was killed in a clash with security forces in Jiribam district. According to police, the protesters had been vandalizing property near Babupara when the firing took place. However, it is unclear who fired the shots. Eyewitnesses suggested that the shots came from the direction of security forces.
Bodies Discovered in Assam River Amid Manipur Unrest
In a grim development, two bodies were found in the Barak river in Assam, wrapped in a gunny sack. This discovery came after the bodies of six individuals—three women and three children—were found earlier in the day. These victims were believed to have gone missing from a relief camp in Jiribam, Manipur, which has been facing violent unrest. The discovery has further heightened the concerns over the safety of displaced individuals and the ongoing violence in the area.
NIA Takes Over Key Violence Cases
The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred three significant cases of violence to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These cases involve widespread arson and destruction of property, which led to the arrest of 23 people across several districts, including Imphal East, West, and Bishnupur. The NIA has taken over the investigations, which include a gun battle between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kuki militants in Jiribam, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 militants. Another case involving the kidnapping and murder of six individuals in Jiribam has also been handed to the NIA due to the rising violence and fatalities in the region.
Amit Shah to Chair High-Level Security Meeting
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting to address the growing unrest in Manipur. The meeting will include senior officials such as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka. The discussions will focus on devising strategies to contain the violence. This meeting comes after Shah canceled election rallies in Maharashtra to focus on the situation in Manipur.
Curfew and Internet Suspension in Imphal
Following the violence, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East and West. Internet services were also suspended in seven districts. The streets of Imphal are mostly deserted, with a heavy security presence around important locations like the chief minister’s residence and the Raj Bhavan. Public transport and markets have been shut down, with only essential services, such as pharmacies, remaining operational. Security around legislators’ homes has also been tightened, especially after several arson attacks over the weekend.
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act Reimposed
In light of the growing unrest, the Centre has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the affected areas of Manipur, highlighting the severity of the situation. The law grants the military greater powers to manage and suppress violence in conflict zones.
Violence Targets Political Figures
Mobs in Imphal valley targeted the homes of several political figures, including BJP and Congress legislators. On Saturday night, protesters attempted to storm the ancestral residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. These attacks are believed to be linked to public outrage over the killings of women and children, who were allegedly abducted by militants in Jiribam.
National People’s Party Withdraws Support from BJP Government
In a significant political development, the National People’s Party (NPP) announced its withdrawal of support from the BJP-led government, citing the administration’s failure to restore peace in the region. Despite the setback, the BJP still holds a majority in the 60-member Manipur Assembly with 32 MLAs, supported by other parties.
Ethnic Violence Continues in Manipur
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes erupted during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The violence has claimed over 220 lives, and thousands have been displaced as tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continue to escalate.