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 northeastern Indian state of Manipur is grappling with escalating violence and unrest following the discovery of six bodies believed to have been kidnapped by insurgents. The bodies, suspected to belong to the predominantly Hindu Meitei community, were found in the Barak River in Jiribam district after a gunfight between Kuki insurgents and Manipur police. News of the discovery sparked angry protests and mob attacks on the homes of seven local politicians, including Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s residence.
Security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds as the situation intensified.
#Manipur needs us all today …
Deeply Wounded Soul of Manipur needs to Heal …
Manipur Needs Peace – Love – Justice
— Supriya Bhardwaj (@Supriya23bh) November 17, 2024
In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur government imposed indefinite curfews in five districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Internet and mobile data services were also suspended across seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and further escalation of violence.
A senior police official said that three of the six people (whose bodies were found) who went missing on Nov 11 were likely killed the same day. Total six were abducted by armed militants, three of them including a two-year-old, yet to be found. #manipur https://t.co/u2vGfvYpaq
— Vijaita Singh (@vijaita) November 17, 2024
Civil society groups, particularly the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil rights group, have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government.
Curfew imposed amid escalating violence
They are demanding decisive action against armed militant groups and the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants sweeping powers to security forces.
A police source said that the bodies, that of a woman and two children, were in a decomposed condition, indicating that they were killed few days ago.#manipur https://t.co/bjbEJqlcSc
— Vijaita Singh (@vijaita) November 16, 2024
Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson for COCOMI, stated, “All the representatives of the states and all the MLAs should sit together and take some decisive action to resolve this crisis as soon as possible. If they don’t take any decision up to the satisfaction of the people of Manipur, then they will bear the brunt of the people’s discontentment.”
The ongoing clashes between the Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes collectively known as the Kukis have claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people within Manipur. The Meiteis, classified as a general category group, are seeking inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category, while Kukis, who share ethnic ties with Myanmar’s Chin State and Mizoram, are advocating for a separate administration carved out of Manipur.
As tensions continue to rise, the state government is working to stabilize the situation and maintain public safety while investigating the recent killings. The imposition of curfews and suspension of internet services aim to prevent further violence and the spread of misinformation. The situation in Manipur remains tense, with security forces deployed to prevent any further escalation.
The state government faces mounting pressure from civil society groups to take decisive action and address the long-standing ethnic tensions that have divided the region.
