Manipur violence escalates with violent protests and attacks on government officials. Civil society groups issue a 24-hour ultimatum for action, and leaders demand PM Modi’s visit to restore peace.
Manipur Violence: Protests, Ultimatum, and Calls for Peace Amid Rising Tensions
Imphal, Manipur — The Manipur violence continues to escalate, with violent protests erupting across the state following the discovery of six bodies believed to belong to missing Meitei individuals. Civil society groups, angered by the lack of decisive action from the government, have issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the state to tackle the armed militant groups fueling the conflict. This comes at a time when the state is grappling with intense ethnic clashes, protests targeting government officials, and growing calls for intervention from national political leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Manipur Violence: Escalating Protests and Attacks on Officials
The latest wave of Manipur violence reached new heights when protesters targeted the homes of state ministers and legislators, including the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. On Saturday, angry mobs attempted to breach the CM’s residence in Imphal, escalating tensions even further. The protests were sparked by the recovery of six bodies, believed to belong to Meitei people who had gone missing days earlier. These bodies were discovered floating in the Jiri River, deepening the sense of loss and anger among the Meitei community, who blame Kuki militants for the abductions and killings.
The situation worsened when protesters began attacking government properties, ransacking and setting fire to multiple residences of officials, including BJP legislator RK Imo’s house. In response, the government deployed tear gas and other measures to control the crowds and prevent further destruction.
Background of the Violence: Ethnic Tensions and Clashes
The Manipur violence has been fueled by longstanding ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. These divisions, which date back decades, have been exacerbated by recent incidents, including the killing of 10 Hmar men by security forces on November 11. The Kuki-Zo community insists these men were innocent village volunteers, while security forces claim they were militants. This event, along with the subsequent discovery of the bodies of Meitei victims, has only heightened animosity and fueled further conflict between the communities.
The violent protests are not just a reflection of the current crisis but also of the deep-seated mistrust and resentment between these groups. As both communities accuse each other of violence, the state’s fragile peace is hanging by a thread.
Calls for Action: Civil Society Groups Demand Government Response
Amid the mounting Manipur violence, civil society organizations have taken a stand, demanding immediate government action. The Meitei community, which has suffered heavily in recent weeks, has given the state a 24-hour ultimatum to address the threat posed by armed militant groups, including the Kuki militants. The pressure is mounting on both the central and state governments to act decisively and restore order before the violence spreads even further.
These groups argue that the government must take stronger measures to dismantle these militant groups, prevent further bloodshed, and promote reconciliation between the ethnic communities. With more than a year of ongoing violence, the situation has become a critical point of concern for not just Manipur but the entire northeastern region of India.
Political Leaders Demand Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Manipur
Amid the escalating crisis, national political leaders are increasingly calling for intervention at the highest levels. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed his concern over the Manipur violence and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state. Gandhi took to X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution. I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region.”
Rajiv Shukla, a senior Congress leader, also expressed his dismay, posting on X:
“Manipur is burning again! Government should take sincere efforts for a peaceful & prosperous Manipur by taking into confidence all stakeholders. I urge the Govt. to take proactive steps to address this crisis at the earliest. Country can’t afford the crisis to continue.”
The political pressure on Prime Minister Modi and his government to intervene is growing, with many leaders calling for urgent measures to de-escalate the situation.
Government’s Response: Curfews and Internet Shutdowns
In response to the surge in violence, the state government has imposed a curfew in several districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur, in a bid to control the situation. The curfew, which started on Saturday at 4:30 pm, is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future. The government has also suspended mobile data and internet services across several districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal, in an attempt to curb the spread of hate speech and inflammatory content on social media.
These measures, while aimed at preventing further violence, have also sparked concerns about the restriction of free speech and the right to access information. Many have argued that these actions, though necessary in some cases, could also be seen as a heavy-handed approach to controlling dissent.
Impact of the Violence on Daily Life in Manipur
The ongoing Manipur violence has disrupted life in the state, with shops closed, schools shut, and transport services severely impacted. The fear of further attacks and the increasing militarization of the region has left many residents living in constant tension. The state’s economy, which relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and trade, has also taken a hit as the violence continues to deter visitors and disrupt daily commerce.
In the midst of this chaos, many local businesses have either closed down or scaled back operations, while others have relocated to safer areas. Rural communities have also been affected, as tensions and violence disrupt agricultural activities and daily life in the villages. For the people of Manipur, the current situation feels like a battle for survival, with no clear end in sight.
Future of Manipur: What Lies Ahead?
As the Manipur violence continues to spiral out of control, the next few days will be critical in determining the future of the region. The 24-hour ultimatum from Meitei civil society groups will put even more pressure on the state government to act swiftly. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi’s response to the growing crisis will be closely scrutinized. His intervention, or lack thereof, could either stabilize the situation or escalate it further.
