GUWAHATI: The ethnic violence in Manipur continued to hold the state to ransom on Saturday, November 16 as residences of politicians, besides churches and private residences came under attack.
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The Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (ITAC) claimed five churches and six homes belonging to members of the Hmar Mizo community were destroyed in Jiribam.
According to the ITAC, mobs vandalised properties including the Independent Church of India (ICI Church), Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI Church), Booth Tucker School & Salvation Church, Presbyterian (Vaiphei) Church and Pastor Quarter, and the Evangelical Assembly Church (EAC Church).
In addition to these religious structures, six private properties, including the homes were also set ablaze. All these acts of arson occurred despite the presence of Central forces in the area.
The unrest began in Jiribam on Monday when a relief camp housing members of the Meitei community came under attack, allegedly by armed men. This led to retaliatory violence, with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) shooting ten men from the Hmar community. Tensions escalated after the bodies of six missing Meitei individuals were discovered in the Jiri River on Friday and Saturday.
The violence in Jiribam soon spilled over to Imphal. Protesters, blaming politicians for failing to protect lives and property, targeted the homes of prominent BJP leaders and officials. Among those attacked were Rajkumar Imo Singh, son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Khurai MLA L. Susindro, Uripok MLA Kh. Raghumani Singh, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor, Thangmeiband MLA Kh. Joykisan Singh, and Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta.
Late Saturday night, a mob also attempted to storm the private residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Imphal’s Heingang area. Security forces dispersed the crowd using tear gas and blank fire.
In response to the escalating violence, the state government imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal West district and suspended internet services in seven districts, including Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur.
Additionally, 23 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in vandalism and arson.
But the response has done little to quell public outrage. Protesters have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Biren Singh government, demanding decisive action against armed militant groups and the restoration of law and order.
The Centre has also taken note of the worsening situation, issuing a statement that “armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order.” Security forces have been directed to restore peace, with the Army and Assam Rifles conducting flag marches in affected areas.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the handling of the crisis, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and address the situation personally. Meanwhile, the state government has requested the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from areas under six police stations' jurisdiction.
