Fresh protests flared up today in the Imphal East and West, drawing participation from students and youths. Unfortunately, these demonstrations turned violent as the police resorted to lathi charge against the protestors.
Since 26 September, Manipur has been gripped by unrest, triggered by the circulation of photos depicting the lifeless bodies of two missing Meitei teenagers who were killed. On Tuesday, hundreds of students initiated a protest that persisted into the night as clashes erupted between security forces and the youth injuring about 50 of the protestants. Responding to the escalating situation, the Manipur Additional District Magistrate has issued a fresh notification today, revoking the relaxation of the curfew that was issued on 26 September. Consequently, a full curfew was imposed across Manipur from 4:00 pm on 27 September, encompassing all areas of Imphal West and East districts.
Meanwhile, in another development, an enraged mob set fire to a BJP mandal office in Thoubal district on 27 September. It is important to note that this incident is not an isolated one — earlier in June, miscreants had vandalized three BJP offices in Thoubal district. According to reports, the BJP Thoubal district offices were vandalized as the mob targeted the office gate, windows, and the windshield of a Mahindra Scorpio parked within the complex.