Curfew imposed in Imphal as houses of CM, ministers targeted; Net suspended
Curfew was clamped on two districts of Manipur on Saturday after protesters went on a rampage in the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley region. The violence broke out following unconfirmed reports of recovery of bodies of six persons of a family who had gone missing earlier this week.
Besides imposing curfew in Imphal West and Imphal East districts, the administration suspended Internet services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts for two days due to the prevailing tension in the state.
The curfew was imposed as protesters attacked houses of political leaders, including that of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his son-in-law RK Imo. The security forces had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the protesters outside the CM’s personal residence.
Sources confirmed that the bodies of three of the six missing persons were found on Friday near a river in Jiribam district.
The victims had gone missing soon after the November 11 encounter between CRPF personnel and suspected militants in Jiribam.
As many as 10 militants were killed in the incident amid allegations by tribal groups that the deceased were village volunteers.
Large-scale violence was reported in parts of the Imphal valley districts as mobs targeted residences of politicians, including ministers and MLAs. A group of persons attacked MLA Sapam Nishikant Singh’s house and destroyed the gate and bunkers. The protesters, mainly women, demanded immediate action against the alleged Kuki insurgents, who they alleged had abducted the six women and children.
They further alleged that the state government and the security forces failed to rescue the “abducted persons”.
The development came even as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been given the charge of probing the November 11 encounter and the killing of a tribal woman by militants on November 7.
In a statement on Saturday, the Centre warned that strict action would be taken against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities amid a fragile security scenario in the state.
“Strict action will be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. Important cases have been handed over to the NIA for effective investigation,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.
It said the security scenario in Manipur had remained fragile for the past few days.
“Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order. The security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore peace and order,” the MHA statement added.
Earlier, tribal groups scuffled with police personnel at Assam’s Silchar Medical College, after the bodies of the 10 suspected militants were not handed over to them and instead airlifted to Manipur.
On Saturday evening, the Cabinet decided to recommend to the Centre to withdraw AFSPA in six districts.
Bodies of 10 militants airlifted
The bodies of the 10 suspected militants, who were killed in an encounter with the CRPF on November 11, were airlifted by the police to Manipur from Assam’s Silchar town, where the autopsies were conducted. Tribal groups clashed with police personnel at Silchar Medical College when the bodies were not reportedly handed over to them.
Ensure peace, MHA tells security forces
Security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore peace and order. — MHA
