Violent protests hit Manipur’s valley districts on Saturday following the discovery of six dead bodies, comprising three women and three children, in the Barak River near Jiribam. Tensions in the state flared over the bodies suspected to be those of six missing Meitei individuals from a camp for displaced people. Angered by the incident, the protesters set properties on fire and attacked the homes of several ministers and MLAs in Imphal. A mob even tried to barge into Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s vacant ancestral residence but was driven away by security forces.

Curfew Imposed, Internet Services Suspended To Curb Violence

According to reports, the state government imposed a curfew in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts from 4:30 pm following intensified violence. Internet and mobile data services were suspended in several districts including Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.

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The slain individuals were termed militants by the authorities, but the Kuki-Zo community claimed they were village volunteers. The bodies have been sent for autopsy to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam.

Protest Target Political Figures And Reimposition Of AFSPA

The agitators targeted the government over the re-imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in several areas. The residences of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s son-in-law, Rajkumar Imo Singh, and some other BJP leaders, including Raghumani Singh and Sapam Kunjakeswor, were attacked. The residence of Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta was also stormed. The houses of Health Minister Sapam Ranjan and Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh in Imphal were similarly attacked.

Biren Government Requests Review Of AFSPA Reinstatement

The ministers and MLAs were accused of failing to curb the escalating violence. Amid violence, the Manipur govt has asked the home ministry to review and withdraw its decision. The Centre had moved to reinstate AFSPA in parts of five districts on November 14, citing the continuing unrest.

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