Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level meeting in Delhi to review the escalating violence in Manipur. Reports indicate he will convene another detailed meeting with senior officials tomorrow at 12 PM to assess the situation further.
Fresh Protests Trigger Curfews and Internet Suspension
The security review comes after fresh protests erupted in Imphal West and East, prompting authorities to impose a curfew and suspend internet services across seven districts. The unrest was sparked by the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam, identified as three women and three children who had gone missing from a relief camp.
Mobs in the Valley districts retaliated by storming and vandalizing the residences of several MLAs, escalating tensions further.
Timeline of Events in Jiribam
- November 11: Militants attacked a police station in the Borobekra area. Security forces successfully repelled the assault, killing 11 militants.
- During their retreat, militants allegedly kidnapped three women and three children from a nearby relief camp.
- The bodies of the kidnapped individuals were recovered after an extensive search operation, intensifying outrage among Meitei organizations, which accused Kuki militants of the crime.
Also Read: Conrad Sangma’s Party Withdraws Support, Cites Failure Of Biren Singh-Led Manipur Government
Political Fallout: NPP Withdraws Support
The violence has coincided with the National People’s Party (NPP), led by Conrad Sangma, withdrawing its support from the BJP-led Manipur government. In a letter to BJP national president JP Nadda, the NPP criticized Chief Minister N Biren Singh for his failure to curb ethnic violence and restore peace.
Despite this, the BJP government remains stable with 37 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, supported by allies including:
- Naga People’s Front (5 MLAs)
- Janata Dal (United) (1 MLA)
- Three Independents
Ongoing Security Challenges
Manipur has been reeling from ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May. The recent killings have further strained the situation, underscoring the state government’s challenges in maintaining law and order.