Imphal: Tensions escalated in Manipur on Saturday as protesters, primarily women, took to the streets in the Imphal valley districts following the discovery of six bodies believed to be those missing from the Jiribam district since November 7th.
The situation took an ugly turn when protesters attacked the houses of several MLAs, including that of a BJP MLA, which was set ablaze.
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As a result of the escalating violence, a curfew was imposed in the Meitei-dominated Imphal West districts from 4:30 PM onwards. Additionally, internet services were suspended in the affected areas to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further disturbances.
The recovery of the bodies, three found on Friday and three on Saturday, triggered widespread outrage among the Meitei community. They accused the Manipur government and security forces of failing to protect their citizens and demanded action against the alleged perpetrators.
The victims, who belonged to a single family, included three women and three children, the youngest being just two and a half months old.
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They went missing during a gunfight between the CRPF and Manipur Police that erupted after an alleged attack on a CRPF camp and a police station by armed militants.
While the Meitei community blamed Kuki insurgents for the abductions and killings, Kuki-Zo organizations countered these claims, asserting that the deceased were “village volunteers” from the Hmar community who were defending their villages against potential attacks by Meitei groups. They alleged that the CRPF and Manipur Police killed the volunteers during a confrontation.
The state Cabinet convened an emergency meeting on Friday night to address the escalating violence. They condemned the incidents in Jiribam and expressed concerns about a “vested interest group” attempting to undermine the peace process initiated by the Centre.
The Coordination Committee on Manipur Unity (COCOMI) also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and secure the release of the missing individuals. They warned the Centre of potential consequences if the six were not found safe.