Protesters try to barge into the personal residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening, setting off another big escalation between security forces and the protesters in the violence-hit state…reports Asian Lite News
Protesting against the death of six hostages from Jiribam, a mob tried to barge into the personal residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening, setting off another big escalation between security forces and the protesters in the violence-hit state.
The security forces had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. The protests come a day after bodies of six missing people, including an eight-month-old infant, were recovered from a Manipur river. The six family members were reported missing in the aftermath of violence on Monday when 10 armed Kuki men died in a gunfight with security forces.
Last week, a 31-year-old woman of the Hmar group within the Kuki tribal community was burned alive in the state’s Jiribam district.
A large mob, upset over lack of inaction and communication from government, had gathered and demanded to meet lawmakers in the state capital Imphal on Saturday.
Earlier Saturday, protesters attacked the residences of at least three state ministers and six MLAs, prompting the government to impose prohibitory orders in five districts for an indefinite period and suspended internet services in parts of the state.
The Manipur government has requested the Centre to review and withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA, a controversial law which gives unbridled power to the armed forces, which was reimposed in six police station limits.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had on November 14 reimposed AFSPA in areas falling under Sekmai PS and Lamsang PS in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East, Moirang in Bishnupur, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Jiribam in Jiribam district.
At least 250 people have died and 60,000 been uprooted in Manipur since May last year in inter-communal clashes over government grants and quotas in jobs and education.
The Centre has sent extra security forces and promised firm action against violent members of both communities.
Manipur has become divided into two ethnic enclaves: a valley controlled by the Meiteis and hills dominated by the Kukis.
Total curfew in Imphal
Manipur police officials have arrested 23 individuals who were part of the mob involved in the alleged “ransacking and arson of the houses,” said Manipur Police on Sunday.
These individuals were arrested from Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts of the state. Additionally, the police officials have recovered one .32 pistol, seven rounds of SBBL, and eight mobile phones from their possession, the police said.
Amid the escalation in the state, a total curfew has been imposed in Imphal until further orders. Following this, the government immediately suspended Internet and mobile data services for two days.
According to police officials, 8 persons have been injured in the process of dispersal of the mob that targeted various houses and properties of public representatives in Imphal.
Following this incident, heavy security forces including the Army and Assam Rifles were deployed in Imphal. In a post on X, Manipur Police wrote, “On 16.11.2024, irate mobs have targeted various houses and properties of public representatives including Ministers and MLAs of the State in Imphal. Police have resorted to firing tear gas shells etc. to disperse the mob. Security forces including Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Imphal to strengthen the security in the town area. Flag marches have been conducted. 08 (eight) persons have been injured in the process of mob dispersal.”
“Further, 23 persons who were part of the mob indulging in ransacking and arson of the houses above have been arrested from Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur Districts and recovered 01 (one) .32 pistol, 07 rounds of SBBL, 08 nos. of mobile phones from their possession, the police added.
“Total curfew has been immediately clamped in the town until further orders. Internet and mobile data services have been suspended for 02 (two) days immediately. SsP/ COs have been deployed on ground to manage the law-and-order situation. Senior officers are critically monitoring the situation round the clock,” Manipur police said in its post.
On Saturday, Manipur Police said, “Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. Movement of 456 vehicles carrying essential items along NH-2 has been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles. A total of 107 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and no one was detained by Police in connection with violations in different districts of the State.”
Rahul Gandhi urges PM to visit Manipur
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, expressed deep concern on the “recent string of violence and continuing bloodshed” in Manipur.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi dubbed the events as “deeply disturbing”. The LoP also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the violence-hit state and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region.
“The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, every Indian hoped that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution,” he said.
“I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region,” Gandhi added.
A curfew was re-imposed in Imphal West District from Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the region. Earlier, the authorities had relaxed the curfew from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16, as per an order dated November 15. However, this relaxation order now stands cancelled with immediate effect. Individuals involved in essential services, including healthcare, will be exempt from the curfew, the order mentioned.
“Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. A total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders,” according to an order issued by Imphal West District Magistrate Kirankumar.
ALSO READ: Nepal Powering Bangladesh via India
[soliloquy id="151345"]