Members of Kuki organizations in Churachandpur held a rally on Tuesday, carrying mock ‘coffins’ to honor deceased community members who lost their lives during the unrest in Manipur. Hundreds of participants marched with placards demanding justice for those killed and called for a separate administration in the hill areas.
Earlier, on November 11, ten militants were killed in Manipur’s Jiribam in an encounter involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Civil Police. A Manipur Police press note reported that a CRPF constable sustained a bullet injury and is undergoing treatment. Arms and ammunition were recovered at the site of the encounter.
On Monday, several Manipur MLAs passed a resolution outlining demands, including a call for the central government to review the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state. The resolution also demanded a mass operation within seven days against Kuki militants allegedly responsible for the killing of six people, including women and children, in Jiribam.
The MLAs further requested the transfer of three key cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These cases pertain to the death of a woman who was burnt, the killing of six innocent civilians, and the murder of a woman farmer. The resolution called for the Kuki militants allegedly involved in these killings to be declared an “unlawful organization” within seven days.
“If the above resolutions taken are not implemented within the specified period, all the NDA Legislators will decide the future course of action in consultation with the people of the State,” the resolution released by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat stated. It emphasized the need for the central and state governments to take steps to restore normalcy in Manipur.
The resolution also condemned recent attacks on legislators and the destruction of their properties. “Such barbaric action of the miscreants, including the looting and destruction of properties, was strongly condemned by all the Legislators present. Legal action will be initiated against the concerned miscreants, based on the findings of a High Powered Committee,” the statement read.
The escalation in tensions follows the discovery of six dead bodies. In response, the Manipur government initially suspended internet services in seven districts. On Monday, the government extended the suspension of internet and mobile data services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Thoubal, and Churachandpur. The suspension will remain in effect until 5:15 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
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The violence in Manipur traces back to May 3 last year, when clashes erupted during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU). The rally protested the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.
