Civil society groups in Manipur have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding decisive action against armed militant groups. The unrest began after a mob attempted to breach Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s residence. Security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the mob, which had gathered in anger following the discovery of six missing bodies in Jiribam district. The bodies, including an eight-month-old child, were recovered from the Barak River in Jiribam.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil rights group, has demanded immediate military action against militants and the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas. The COCOMI has warned of severe public backlash if their demands are not met within 24 hours.
Protesters attacked the residences of three state ministers and six MLAs, vandalizing their homes and setting their properties on fire. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan also came under siege. In response to the escalating violence, the state government imposed indefinite curfews in five districts and suspended internet services across seven districts. Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services, citing the potential for misinformation and further escalation of violence.
The ongoing clashes between the Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes collectively known as the Kukis have claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people within Manipur. The Meiteis seek inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis advocate for a separate administration carved out of Manipur.
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Source: NDTV
