Manipur plunged into fresh turmoil as civil society groups issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding action against militant groups following the recovery of six bodies in Jiribam district.
Unrest erupted on Saturday evening when a mob attempted to storm the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Imphal. Security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the protesters, who were angered by the discovery of six bodies, including that of an infant, in the Barak River. The deceased had been missing since a violent clash on Monday that left 10 Kuki armed men dead during a gunfight with security forces.
Demands for Action
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil rights group, has demanded immediate military action against militant groups and the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain areas.
“All MLAs and representatives must come together to take decisive action to resolve this crisis,” said Khuraijam Athouba, COCOMI spokesperson. “If their actions fail to meet the people’s expectations, they will face severe consequences. We have set a 24-hour ultimatum for both the Manipur and Indian governments to act decisively.”
Violent Protests and Political Targets
Protesters also attacked the homes of three state ministers and six MLAs, including BJP MLA RK Imo Singh, Chief Minister Singh’s son-in-law. Residences of Municipal Administration Minister Y Khemchand, Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh, and Health Minister Sapam Ranjan were targeted. Properties were vandalized, and security forces resorted to tear gas to control the mobs.
Minister Sapam Ranjan assured protesters he would raise their concerns in a cabinet meeting and resign if the government failed to act decisively.
Government Response
In response to the escalating violence, curfews were imposed in five districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Internet services were suspended across seven districts to curb misinformation.
Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi justified the suspension, citing the risk of misinformation exacerbating tensions.
Ethnic Strife in Manipur
The clashes in Manipur stem from tensions between the Meitei community and Kuki tribes, collectively known as Kukis. Over 220 lives have been lost, and nearly 50,000 people displaced.
The Meiteis, classified under the general category, are seeking Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kukis, with ethnic ties to Myanmar’s Chin State and Mizoram, are demanding a separate administration within Manipur.
The imposition of AFSPA, granting security forces sweeping powers, has further deepened mistrust among locals. COCOMI has demanded its repeal, warning of severe public backlash if their demands are not met within the ultimatum period.
The situation in Manipur remains volatile as the deadline looms, and the state government faces mounting pressure to restore order and address long-standing grievances.
Sources By Agencies
