Manipur: Mob Attacks Ministers, MLAs Homes, Curfew In Imphal After Violence Over Hostage Deaths

Imphal: A curfew has been imposed in Manipur ’s Imphal after state witnessed fresh episodes of violence which triggered after death of hostages in Jiribham district. A violent mob targeted residences of at least two state ministers and three MLAs in Imphal while state ministration appealed to protesters, demonstrators to maintain calm. latest episode of violence has erupted after death of six people belonging to Meitei community including 3 women and 3 children were taken hostage allegedly by Kuki tribe in Manipur’s Jiribam district.

1. After death of six  people of Meitei community, residences of Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh, and Municipal ministration Minister Y Khemchand were stormed by protesters.
2. In response to escalating violence, government imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. Internet services were also temporarily suspended in seven districts (Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kanqpokpi and Churachandpur)
3. Protesters attacked home of BJP MLA RK Imo, son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, vandalizing property and setting fire to his belongings.
4. Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters in various areas of Imphal, including near key government buildings like Chief Minister's Secretariat.
5. violence stems from public outrage over discovery of three bodies near Assam -Manipur border, suspected to be connected to six missing individuals from Jiribam district.
6. In dition to RK Imo, residences of or BJP MLAs, including Sapam Kunjakesore and Joykishan Singh, were also targeted and vandalized.
7. Protesters are demanding justice for three bodies found on Friday night, calling for arrest of culprits within 24 hours.
8. re were reports of suspected militants engaging in a brief firefight with security forces in Bishnupur district, though no casualties were reported.
9. Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called for military action against militants and repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in affected areas.
10. Manipur government has formally requested central government to withdraw Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which was recently reimposed in six areas of state declared as disturbed areas.

Watch | Update on Manipur Violence