Imphal: The already volatile situation in Manipur has taken a dramatic turn as 19 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs are reportedly preparing to resign in the wake of escalating violence and widespread protests.
The decision comes after a series of violent incidents, including the recovery of six bodies from a river and the subsequent attacks on the residences of ministers and MLAs.
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Among the MLAs contemplating resignation are BJP leaders such as T Robindro, Th Radheshyam, and Paonam Brojen. Their decision is believed to be a direct response to the growing public anger and the perceived failure of the state government to address the ongoing crisis.
The discovery of the six bodies, including three children, from the Barak River in Jiribam district on Friday and Saturday ignited a fresh wave of protests. The victims, who were missing since Monday from a displaced persons’ camp, were recovered from the river.
The ensuing protests turned violent as protesters targeted the residences of several ministers and MLAs. The homes of ministers Sapam Ranjan, L Susindro Singh, and Y Khemchand were among those attacked, with properties being ransacked and set ablaze.
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The residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh‘s son-in-law was also targeted, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Security forces were forced to intervene, using tear gas to disperse the crowds in various parts of Imphal.
In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur government imposed an indefinite curfew in five districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Additionally, internet services were suspended in parts of the state to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further escalation.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a powerful civil society organization, has demanded immediate military action against militants.
The violence continued into the night, with reports of arson attacks on churches and houses in Jiribam town.