Violence Erupts in Manipur; Curfew and Internet Shutdown Imposed
Fresh violence has flared up in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Following attacks on the homes of three ministers and six legislators, an agitated mob attempted to storm the residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
Reports from Reuters and NDTV on Sunday, November 17, revealed that protesters broke through the gates of the chief minister’s residence and tried to force their way inside. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
In response to the escalating unrest, an indefinite curfew has been imposed in seven districts, including Imphal East and Imphal West. Additionally, internet services have been suspended in areas such as Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur to prevent further violence.
Roots of the Unrest
Manipur has been grappling with tensions since May 2023, when ethnic clashes erupted between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The recent violence was triggered by last week’s clash between security forces and Kuki insurgents, which resulted in 10 deaths and the abduction of six people, including an eight-month-old baby.
The situation worsened on Friday when the bodies of the missing individuals were recovered from a river. Enraged, protesters launched attacks on government officials’ residences and attempted to breach the chief minister’s home.
Calls for Action
The Manipur government has urged the central government to review and withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state, citing it as a necessary step to de-escalate the crisis.
Experts attribute the conflict to disputes over reservation policies for tribal communities. Although tensions had eased slightly over the past year, the recent violence has reignited social and political instability.
Analysts and civil society are calling for immediate and effective interventions by the state and central governments to restore peace and stability in the region.
0 comments:
Post a Comment