As tensions soared in Manipur following the recovery of the bodies of all six missing persons, protesters targeted the houses of ministers and MLAs, ransacking their residences and setting some of them on fire. They also tried to storm the Chief Minister N Biren Singh's house as security forces responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd in various parts of Imphal.
Protesters ransacked the homes of three ministers and six MLAs, including the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's son-in-law, setting their properties ablaze. With violence erupting, particularly in Jiribam, the government imposed prohibitory orders in five districts indefinitely and suspended internet services in parts of the state.
MANIPUR VIOLENCE | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
A total curfew has been imposed in Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts of Imphal valley, with internet and mobile data services suspended for two days in seven districts. Security has been tightened with the deployment of the Army, Assam Rifles, and state police.
The miscreants also set fire to at least two churches and three houses in Jiribam town, officials said. Although there were reports of multiple arson incidents, police have yet to verify them.
The ministers whose residences were stormed by protesters include Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L Susindro Singh, and Municipal Administration and Housing Development Minister Y Khemchand. Others targeted include BJP MLA RK Imo, who is the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Twenty three people involved in ransacking and setting fire to the houses of MLAs and ministers were arrested in Imphal and Bishnupur. Police also recovered a pistol, seven rounds of Single Barrel Breech Loader (SSBL) ammunition, and eight mobile phones, officials said on Sunday.
Calling it a "disturbing" development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called on the Prime Minister to visit the state. "The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution. I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region," he said.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government requested the Centre to review and withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from areas falling under the jurisdiction of six police stations in the state. The Centre, earlier this week, reimposed AFSPA in Manipur’s six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam.
The bodies of two women and a child, missing since Monday from a camp for the displaced, were recovered from the Barak River in Jiribam on Saturday, while three other bodies, including a woman and two children, were found on Friday night. They were reportedly abducted by Kuki militants during an attack on a police station on November 11.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body representing civil society organisations of Imphal valley, demanded military action on militants within 24 hours. They also called for the immediate repeal of AFSPA.
The Union Home Ministry, noting that the “security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days”, warned that strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities and requested the people to maintain peace. It added that important cases have been handed over to the NIA for effective investigation.
Fearing the potential spread of violence to other parts of the Northeast, the Mizoram government has urged residents to exercise "extreme caution" to prevent communal unrest in the state. In a statement, the Mizoram Home Department called on residents to refrain from actions that could incite communal incidents.
