Imphal: Authorities in India’s northeastern state of Manipur arrested 23 individuals on Sunday following violent protests that involved ransacking and setting fire to the homes of lawmakers and ministers. The unrest, sparked by public outrage over recent killings, persisted despite an indefinite curfew imposed on Saturday.
Hundreds of demonstrators defied the restrictions in Imphal, the state capital, demanding accountability for the ongoing violence that has gripped the region since May 2023. A senior state police official described the situation as “relatively calm today but unpredictable,” emphasizing the vigilance of law enforcement in monitoring developments.
Background of Ethnic Clashes
Manipur has been a hotbed of ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 250 deaths and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people. The region is now divided into two distinct enclaves: a Meitei-controlled valley and Kuki-dominated hills, separated by a no-man’s-land under federal surveillance.
Tensions escalated last week when a 31-year-old Kuki woman was reportedly burned alive, an act attributed by Kuki groups to Meitei militants.
Political Fallout
The National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), announced on Sunday its withdrawal of support from the state government, citing Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s failure to resolve the crisis. The NPP holds seven seats in the 60-member state assembly.
Recent Violence and Arrests
The arrests followed violent incidents on Saturday, including arson attacks on the residences of state lawmakers and ministers. A police statement confirmed the deployment of tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to injuries among eight individuals.
Internet and mobile services were suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation, while additional security forces were deployed to maintain order.
Also Read | India and Nigeria Strengthen Ties in Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism
Protesters are demanding justice for the latest killings, which include the deaths of two women and two children. Bodies of a woman and a two-year-old child, believed to belong to a missing Meitei family, were recovered from a river on Sunday. On Friday, three other bodies, including two children, were also found.
A Kuki man’s body was discovered in the same area on Sunday. Authorities are investigating whether his death is connected to the ongoing violence.
Current Status
Manipur remains tense, with curfews and communication blackouts further restricting daily life. The situation underscores the deep-rooted ethnic divisions and challenges in restoring peace in the troubled state.
