New Delhi: A day after the bodies of three people, part of a group of six missing persons, were recovered from a river in Manipur, violent protests erupted across the state. Demonstrators targeted the residences of three state ministers and six MLAs, prompting the government to impose indefinite prohibitory orders in five districts and suspend internet services in several areas.
The bodies of the three missing persons were discovered near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers, along the Manipur-Assam border, on Friday evening. These people were believed to have been abducted by suspected militants, fueling public outrage. The discovery intensified protests, with protesters demanding justice for the victims.
MLAs properties attacked, set alight
On Saturday, several high-profile targets were attacked by the angry mobs, including the residences of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh, and Municipal Administration Minister Y Khemchand. Apart from these, the homes of six MLAs, including BJP legislator RK Imo—who is also the son-in-law of chief minister N Biren Singh—were stormed, with properties vandalised and set alight. Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowds.
In response to the escalating violence, the state administration imposed curfews in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. The authorities also temporarily suspended internet and mobile data services in seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and quell further unrest.
The attack on political leaders’ residences is part of growing discontent over the state’s handling of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community and the Kuki community. Over 200 people have lost their lives in the strife-torn state since the violence began over a year ago.
