Manipur witnessed a surge in violence on Monday, with one protester killed and six others dying in separate incidents amid intensifying clashes between security forces and civilians. The unrest, which has persisted for over a week, forced the imposition of curfews and internet shutdowns across several districts, including Imphal East and West.
On Sunday night, K Athouba, a 20-year-old protester, died during a clash with security forces in Jiribam district, ANI reported. Another individual, identified as K Bishan, sustained injuries. According to police reports, agitators vandalized properties near Babupara, prompting gunfire. Eyewitnesses alleged the shots came from the direction of security forces, though the origin of the gunfire remains unconfirmed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to address the worsening security situation. Separately, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh convened a meeting with non-Congress MLAs in Imphal.
However, the meeting saw significant boycotts. Sources revealed that the Congress MLAs, the National People’s Party (NPP), and 10 Kuki-Zo legislators, including seven from the BJP, abstained. These Kuki-Zo legislators have remained absent from the Imphal Valley since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023.
The resurgence of violence in Jiribam follows the discovery of the bodies of six women and children abducted on November 11. The incident has sparked public outrage, leading to the burning and vandalization of at least 15 MLAs’ houses, primarily those belonging to BJP leaders.
The State government has transferred three cases, including the November 8 killing of a tribal woman and the November 11 attack on a CRPF post, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In response to the crisis, the Centre has announced the deployment of 50 additional Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies, bringing the total to 218. The deployment includes 35 CRPF units and 15 from the BSF, bolstering the earlier dispatch of 20 companies.
The Manipur unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) expressed concern over the prolonged ethnic conflict, now entering its 19th month. It condemned the killings of women and children, urging both Central and State governments to resolve the crisis urgently.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the fresh violence. Speaking in Ranchi, Gandhi alleged a lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.
“Everyone knows what is happening in Manipur. The prime minister has not gone there yet. I have gone to Manipur. We have asked the government to stop the violence, but that is not happening. Someone has a vested interest,” said Gandhi. He added, “The home minister should do his work, but for some reason, he is not doing his work.” (With inputs from agencies)