Total curfew imposed in Manipur as tension escalates

A curfew was imposed in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts of Manipur on Sunday morning, with internet services suspended in seven districts following a surge in protests triggered by the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam.

The victims, including three women and three children, were allegedly abducted and killed by militants, further intensifying the unrest in the violence-hit northeastern state.

The internet shutdown, spanning Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur, is part of measures to quell the situation. Protests in Imphal Valley have led to large-scale violence, with mobs attacking the residences of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Demonstrators vandalized the property of MLA Sapam Nishikant Singh and set fire to furniture at MLA RK Imo's home in Sagolband, leaving both properties severely damaged, reports AP.

The victims, reported missing from a relief camp during a clash between security forces and militants in Jiribam district, were found near a river in Jirimukh village on the Manipur-Assam border. Their bodies were taken to Silchar Medical College Hospital in Assam for postmortem. The militants allegedly abducted the victims during their retreat after attacking a police station in Borobekra, where 11 militants were killed by security forces.

In response to the unrest, the state government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges, while a massive search operation continues. Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily involving the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 200 lives, displaced thousands, and caused significant destruction.

The recent killings have added to the tension, with renewed clashes deepening divisions. To address the escalating violence, the central government has reinstated the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas, including Jiribam. Authorities remain focused on restoring peace, though the path to stability remains uncertain amidst the state's persistent ethnic conflict.