India: Curfew Imposed in Manipur Amid Fresh Protests Over Killings

India’s northeastern state of Manipur is once again in the grip of violence, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in Imphal West and Imphal East and suspend internet services in seven districts. The unrest follows the discovery of six bodies, including three women and three children, believed to have been kidnapped by militants in Jiribam.

The internet shutdown, lasting two days, affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. Protests turned violent as angry mobs stormed the residences of lawmakers such as MLA Sapam Nishikant Singh and MLA RK Imo, damaging property and setting fire to furniture.

Demonstrators gathered in Imphal’s Khwairamband Keithel market, voicing their outrage over the killings. Reports indicate the victims went missing following a gunfight between security forces and militants near their relief camp in Jiri bam district on Monday.

The violence started on November 11 when militants attacked a police station in Borobekra. Security forces repelled the assault, killing 11 militants, but during their retreat, the militants allegedly abducted the six victims. Their bodies were found near a river and taken to Silchar Medical College Hospital in Assam for postmortem examinations.

Jiribam, which had previously been spared from the intense clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities that have plagued Manipur for over 18 months, is now witnessing violence. The region’s ethnic conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, has led to over 200 deaths and displaced thousands.

To address the escalating situation, the Union Home Ministry has reimpose the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas, including Jiri bam, citing the “continuous volatile situation.” The state government has also declared schools and colleges closed, aiming to mitigate further risks as tension remains high.