Manipur protesters defy curfew, lock offices.
Authorities believe the deceased are among six people reported missing from Jiribam in Manipur. The grim discovery has heightened concerns in the region, already grappling with tensions. Local officials, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, have initiated investigations to confirm the identities of the victims and ascertain the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing unrest and security issues affecting Manipur and its neighboring areas. Families of the missing individuals are anxiously awaiting updates as the authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
Protests Escalate in Manipur Following Killings in Jiribam
Imphal: Defying curfew orders, protests erupted in Imphal West district on Monday as a group led by members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) locked the front doors of several government offices.
The COCOMI, an influential organization representing the Meitei community, led the charge, demanding justice for the victims and a stronger crackdown on militancy in the region. The Meiteis form the majority ethnic group in the Imphal Valley, which includes five districts such as Imphal West.
Protesters Lock Government Offices
The protesters raised slogans condemning the killings and called for immediate justice for the victims and their families.
The Centre needs to take action.
COCOMI Sit-In Protest
Protesters are demanding a military crackdown on “Kuki Zo Hmar” militants, who they hold responsible for the increasing violence in the state.
Killings in Jiribam Spark Fresh Protests
The unrest began after six people went missing on November 11 from a camp for displaced persons in Jiribam.
Senior police officials in Assam have confirmed that five of the six missing individuals have been found dead so far.
The killings have further strained relations between the Meitei and Kuki communities, who have been embroiled in ethnic violence since May last year.
Curfew and Internet Suspension
In response to the volatile situation, the Manipur government imposed an indefinite curfew in the Imphal Valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching on November 16. The curfew aims to curb the developing law and order situation in these areas.
Additionally, the state administration has extended the suspension of internet and mobile data services until 5:15 PM on November 20 in seven districts, including the Imphal Valley, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. This suspension, initially imposed on November 16, is intended to prevent the spread of misinformation and incitement via social media platforms.
The order, however, allows exemptions for government offices using lease lines and broadband connections, or in cases where the state government grants specific approvals.
Ethnic Violence and Ongoing Tensions
Since May last year, Manipur has witnessed repeated outbreaks of ethnic violence between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki tribes in the surrounding hill districts. Over 200 people have been killed, and thousands have been displaced as a result of the clashes.
The violence has its roots in long-standing ethnic, political, and land disputes between the two communities. Recent events, including targeted killings and gunfights, have further deepened the divide, making reconciliation and peace-building efforts increasingly challenging.
Call for Action
Protesters are urging both the state and central governments to take decisive action against militant groups operating in the region.
The involvement of COCOMI, an influential organization in Manipur, has added weight to the protests. The organization’s demands for justice and military intervention are likely to pressure the authorities to respond promptly.
Conclusion
As Manipur grapples with another wave of unrest, the state’s leadership faces the difficult task of balancing security measures with efforts to address the underlying causes of the violence. The indefinite curfew and extended internet suspension are immediate steps to control the situation, but long-term peace will require dialogue and resolution of ethnic grievances.
The discovery of the victims’ bodies in Jiribam has once again underscored the fragility of the situation in Manipur. With tensions running high, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the state can find a path toward stability and justice for the victims of this tragic violence.