Imphal/Aizawl/New Delhi: Manipur’s Imphal valley witnessed widespread violence and unrest on Friday and Saturday following the discovery of bodies suspected to be those of six people kidnapped earlier in the week. This prompted the state government to impose a strict curfew in the valley housing the state capital and suspend internet throughout the state.
The current turmoil is part of an ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community, predominantly residing in the Imphal valley, and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjoining hills.
As India Sentinels has been reporting, this ethnic strife has been escalating since May 3, 2023, resulting in around 300 deaths officially and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people.
The Incident in Jiribam
As India Sentinels had reported, on November 11, a gunfight broke out between Central Reserve Police Force personnel and suspected Kuki militants in the Borobekra police station area of Jiribam district. During this encounter, at least 10 suspected militants, claimed by Kuki-Zo organizations to be “village volunteers”, were killed. In the aftermath, three women and three children from a relief camp near the police station went missing. Meitei organizations alleged that these six individuals were kidnapped by Kuki-Zo extremists.
Recovery of Bodies
On Friday, the bodies of three people, suspected to be among the six missing individuals, were found near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers along the Manipur-Assam border. The bodies were taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam for postmortem examination. Although the identities of the bodies have not been confirmed, they are believed to be those of the kidnapped women and children.
Protests and Violence
The recovery of the bodies triggered widespread protests across the Imphal valley. Mobs, primarily consisting of members of the Meira Paibis (Meitei women’s groups), formed human chains and blocked arterial roads to stop vehicular movements. Major markets and business establishments closed down due to the anticipation of a prolonged shutdown, which led to panic-buying among the public.
Protesters targeted the residences of local MLAs and ministers, storming and damaging properties. The homes of MLAs Sapam Nishikant Singh and RK Imo were among those attacked, with protesters destroying gates, security bunkers, and furniture.
#Manipur Reports of homes of at least 8 MLAs from the valley being vandalised/protested at by irate Meitei citizens including that of the son in law of the chief minister R K Imo Singh and that of indi MLA close to the CM and owner of prominent paper Sangai Express.
— Nitin Sethi (@nit_set) November 16, 2024
In… pic.twitter.com/MNHs1qm8Oe
Earlier reports indicated that four civilians had been shot dead by armed miscreants in Lilong, Thoubal district. This incident followed clashes between locals and unidentified groups, worsening the already fragile law & order situation.
Curfew and Internet Suspension
In response to the escalating violence, the state government imposed a total curfew in Imphal West and Imphal East districts, effective from 4.30pm on Saturday. The curfew was initially relaxed from 5am to 8pm but was later cancelled due to the deteriorating law & order situation.
Internet services were suspended in seven districts – Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur – for two days to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours that could exacerbate the tensions.
Meanwhile, the Union home ministry directed all security agencies to take necessary steps to restore peace and maintain order. Already, a large contingent of security personnel, including central armed police forces (CAPFs) and state police, has been deployed across the valley region to manage the situation.
The state government also beefed up security around key locations such as the Raj Bhavan, the official residences of the chief minister and other ministers, and the offices of political parties.
However, exemptions from the curfew were granted for essential services, including healthcare, electricity and water supply, public distribution, petrol pumps, municipal services, media, functioning of courts, and the movement of passengers travelling to or from the airport with valid permits.
Reimposition of AFSPA
In light of the continuous volatile situation, the Centre reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas of Manipur, including Jiribam. This move is aimed at enhancing the security forces’ ability to handle the ongoing ethnic violence.
In neighbouring Mizoram, hundreds of people held a candlelight march in Aizawl to express grief and protest over the killings in Jiribam. Participants condemned the state government and the Centre for failing to contain the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
In view of the highly charged and volatile situation in Manipur, citizens have been urged to comply with the curfew orders and refrain from any activities that could exacerbate the situation. The administration is monitoring the situation closely, with further updates expected as the situation evolves.
The ongoing crisis represents one of the most significant challenges to peace and stability in the northeastern region in decades.
