NEW DELHI: Violence in Manipur continued to escalate on Monday, with one protester killed and six others dying in separate incidents, as clashes between security forces and civilians intensified. The unrest has forced the imposition of curfews and internet shutdowns across several districts, including Imphal East and West, amid growing concerns about public order.
Union home minister Amit Shah is set to chair a high-level meeting on Monday to assess the security situation and formulate strategies to stabilise the region.
Here are the top developments:
Protester killed in Jiribam clashes
On Sunday night, a protester in his twenties, identified as K Athouba, was killed during a clash with security forces in Jiribam district, according to ANI. Police said that the agitators who vandalised properties near Babupara faced firing, though it remains unclear who opened fire. Eyewitnesses alleged the shots came from the direction of security forces.
Bodies Found in Assam River After Manipur Unrest
Meanwhile, two bodies, an unidentified woman and a young girl, were found in Assam’s Barak river. The bodies were discovered inside a gunny sack.
This discovery follows unrest in neighboring Manipur sparked by the discovery of six bodies. The six victims, found earlier on Sunday, are believed to be three women and three children who went missing from a relief camp in Jiribam, Manipur. Jiribam has been experiencing violence, leading to the displacement of many and the establishment of relief camps.
NIA takes over key cases
The Union home ministry transferred three cases of violence against civilians to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The cases involve allegations of widespread arson and ransacking, which police say led to the arrest of 23 individuals from various districts, including Imphal East, West, and Bishnupur.
The NIA took over these cases from Manipur Police following a directive from the ministry of home affairs, as the violent incidents linked to the cases had escalated in recent months, resulting in fatalities and significant unrest in the region.
- Registered at Jiribam Police Station on November 8, regarding the murder of a woman in the Jiribam area by armed militants.
- Filed at Borobekra Police Station on November 11, related to an attack on the Central Reserve Police Force post (A-company, 20th Battalion) at Jakuradhor Karong and Borobekra Police Station in Jiribam by armed militants.
- Registered at Borobekra Police Station on November 11, concerning the burning of houses and the killing of a civilian in the Borobekra area.
Shah to hold key meeting
According to PTI, Shah’s meeting is expected to address these deep-rooted issues and provide directives to contain the unrest. Key officials, including national security advisor Ajit Doval and intelligence bureau director Tapan Deka, are expected to participate. The report also said that Shah is likely to give directions for handling the situation in the state.
The meeting comes after Shah cancelled election rallies in Maharashtra to focus on the deteriorating conditions in the northeastern state.
Curfew and internet shutdown in Imphal
Following the killings, the authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East and West, alongside a suspension of internet services in seven districts. Streets in Imphal remain largely deserted, with heavy deployment of security personnel outside key sites such as the chief minister’s residence and the Raj Bhavan.
Markets and public transport services are shut, with only pharmacies and a few private vehicles operating. Security has also been heightened around legislators’ residences, following several arson attacks over the weekend.
The Centre has also reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in violence-hit areas, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Violence escalates as homes of politicians targeted
In Imphal valley, enraged mobs torched the homes of multiple political figures, including BJP and Congress legislators. On Saturday night, the ancestral residence of chief minister N Biren Singh narrowly escaped being stormed by protesters. The incidents are linked to public outrage over the killings of women and children allegedly abducted by militants in Jiribam district.
On Sunday, the National People’s Party (NPP) announced its withdrawal of support from the BJP-led government, citing its inability to restore peace. However, the BJP retains a majority in the 60-member Assembly with 32 MLAs, along with support from other parties.
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023, following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Over 220 people have been killed, and thousands displaced as tensions persist between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups.