The government cut internet access in India’s northeastern state of Manipur as clashes erupted between protesters and security forces. The protests were sparked by recent killings that have intensified unrest in the region. Demonstrators took to the streets of Imphal West, setting vehicles on fire and demanding justice for the victims.
.@narendramodi ji,
Under your double engine governments, “ना Manipur एक है, ना Manipur Safe है”
Since May 2023, it is undergoing unimaginable pain, division and simmering violence, which has destroyed the future of its people.
We are saying it with utmost responsibility that…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 17, 2024
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…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 16, 2024
The authorities responded by imposing a ban on mobile internet services to curb the spread of misinformation and facilitate law enforcement operations. The headless body of a two-and-a-half-year-old child, along with his grandmother, was found in a river near Jiribam, Manipur. The victims, from the Meitei community, were among six hostages taken by suspected Kuki militants.
For Laisharam Herojit, a relief camp inmate from Jiribam, the worst fears have come true.
#Manipur needs us all today …
Deeply Wounded Soul of Manipur needs to Heal …
Manipur Needs Peace – Love – Justice
— Supriya Bhardwaj (@Supriya23bh) November 17, 2024
His family, including his two children, wife, mother-in-law, wife’s sister, and her baby, were killed in captivity by the suspected militants after being taken hostage on Monday. Mr.
Herojit, in a barely audible voice, confirmed the tragic news, saying, “It is true.” The police reported that the decomposed bodies of his 60-year-old mother-in-law and two-and-a-half-year-old son were found floating in the river, with the boy’s headless body being trapped between broken tree branches. Eyewitnesses claimed the boy’s arms were also missing, and his grandmother’s semi-nude body was found face down in the river. L Chingheinganba, the two-year-old boy, and his grandmother, Y Rani Devi, along with four other family members, were taken hostage at gunpoint during a clash between the militants and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jiribam’s Borobekra, about 220 km from Imphal.
The bodies of three other family members, including Mr. Herojit’s eight-month-old baby and his wife’s sister, were found and brought to a hospital morgue in Assam’s Silchar on Friday evening. Following the reports of the tragedy, violence erupted in Imphal, with protesters vandalizing homes of ruling BJP MLAs and attempting to storm Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s official residence.
The protesters were angered by what they perceived as government inaction and the lack of communication regarding the rescue operations. According to police sources, at least two dozen suspected Kuki militants launched the attack in Jiribam. One group took civilian hostages while the other vandalized and set houses on fire.
The CRPF camp also came under attack, with ten militants reportedly killed in the encounter.
Internet access cut amid unrest
The militants were allegedly equipped with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
Political leaders from across parties have condemned the killing of women and children, labeling it a terror attack rather than a community skirmish. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Manipur. Six innocent lives from the Meitei community were kidnapped and killed by Kuki terrorists.
Condemn terrorism! Demand severe punishment for culprits.”
Former Manipur Chief Minister and Congress leader O Ibobi Singh expressed his readiness to support mass resignations by MLAs to address the state crisis, highlighting the government’s failure to maintain law and order. The violence began last Thursday when suspected Meitei insurgents attacked a village housing the Hmar tribe. A Hmar woman was killed, with allegations of her being shot, raped, and set on fire.
The Manipur government has faced criticism for its silence on the attack. The next day, a Meitei woman was shot dead allegedly by Kuki militants while working in a paddy field. The allegations and counter-allegations between the communities have deepened the conflict that started in May 2023 over issues such as land rights and political representation.
The security situation remains tense as both communities call for justice and action to prevent further violence. In response to escalating violence in Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a crucial meeting with senior officials to address the situation. The meeting aimed at formulating strategies to restore peace and order in the region, which has been plagued by recurrent unrest.
Details from the official meeting were not disclosed immediately, but sources indicate that Amit Shah reviewed the current security scenario with top officials from the Home Ministry and intelligence agencies. Discussions likely included assessments of the ongoing clashes, measures to strengthen local law enforcement, and plans to ensure the safety and security of residents. This meeting follows a spate of violent incidents in Manipur over the past few weeks, which have left several people injured and caused significant damage to property.
The unrest has created an atmosphere of fear and tension among the local population, prompting the central government to take immediate steps to address the emerging crisis. Authorities have stepped up security across the region and deployed additional forces to control the situation. The Home Minister’s active involvement signifies the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring that peace prevails.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops and more information becomes available from the official channels.
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