Manipur’s Imphal Valley plunged into turmoil after the discovery of six bodies, believed to be missing women and children, in a river near the Assam border. The unrest led to protests, with vehicles set ablaze and attacks on the homes of several MLAs, including Rajkumar Imo Singh, the Chief Minister’s son-in-law. In response, the government temporarily suspended internet and mobile services in seven affected districts and imposed curfews in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur. The chaos follows the deaths of 17 people since November 7, primarily in Jiribam district, which has been fraught with conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledged the fragile security situation, urging calm and warning against violence. The National Investigation Agency has been tasked with handling critical cases. Tensions soared further when three additional bodies were found, sparking roadblocks and vandalism, including the destruction of several churches. The Kuki-Zo community demanded the bodies of those killed in a recent gunfight be handed over to them.
The Manipur government declared a school and college holiday amid rising tension and called for a review of the “disturbed area” status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for six police stations. Meanwhile, the Mizoram government expressed concern, requesting calm to prevent communal violence.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manipur/protest-breaks-out-in-manipurs-imphal-valley-after-three-bodies-found-in-jiribam/article68875252.ece
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