Violence in Manipur: Curfew reinstated, internet suspended after protesters storm houses of ministers and MLAs | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Manipur government has imposed an indefinite curfew in violence-hit Imphal West and Imphal East districts due to the deteriorating law and order situation. Internet services have also been suspended after new protests broke out against the killing of six people, whose bodies were found in Jiribam after they were allegedly kidnapped by militants.
Earlier, authorities had relaxed the curfew on November 16 from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to a November 15 order. However, this relaxation order is now withdrawn with immediate effect following a number of violent attacks on the house of Meitei MLAs. community in Imphal were reported.
An order issued by Imphal West District Magistrate Th Kirankumar reads: “Now, in view of the evolving law and order situation in the district, the aforesaid order of relaxation of curfew is withdrawn with immediate effect. The total curfew is imposed from 4:30 PM on November 16 until further orders.”
“All persons involved in essential services such as healthcare, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts and to and fro movement of air passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/employees with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards will be exempted from the curfew,” the order said.

Violence breaks out in Manipur’s Imphal

Protesters in Manipur’s Imphal attacked the houses of two ministers and three MLAs, seeking justice for three persons who were killed in Jiribam district, according to police reports. The attacks prompted the Imphal West government to enforce indefinite prohibition orders in the district.
Lamphel Sanakeithel Development Authority representative David told reporters: “Sapam assured us that the issues related to the killing of three persons will be discussed at a cabinet meeting and the minister will resign if the government does not manages to respect the sentiment of the audience. “
The residence of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L. Susindro Singh was also targeted by protesters, officials said.

In Sagolband area of ​​Imphal West district, protesters gathered outside the residence of BJP lawmaker RK Imo, the son-in-law of Prime Minister N Biren Singh. They demanded swift action from the government regarding the three deaths and called for the arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours.
When protesters visited the residence of independent lawmaker Sapam Nishikanta Singh on Tiddim Road to meet him, they targeted his newspaper office when they learned of his absence from the state, as reported by a senior officer.
According to reports, the protesters damaged temporary structures outside the office building.

‘Necessary steps to restore law and order in Manipur’

Amid the violence in Manipur, the Home Ministry said security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore law and order in Manipur.
Calling the situation ‘vulnerable’, the MHA said strict action would be taken against anyone found to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. Important cases have been transferred to NIA for effective investigation.

“The public is requested to maintain peace, not believe in rumors and cooperate with the security forces to maintain law and order in the state,” the statement read.
In a bid to stabilize the situation, the MHA on Thursday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six jurisdictions of police stations in five districts of Manipur till March 31, 2025.

‘Three bodies found on Friday evening’

On Friday evening, three bodies, believed to be six missing persons from Jiribam district, were discovered near the meeting point of the Jiri and Barak rivers along the Manipur-Assam border.
The recovered bodies, consisting of a woman and two children, were located about 16 km from Borobekra in Jiribam district, near where the six people disappeared on Monday.
“Three bodies of a woman and two children, suspected to be six missing persons from Jiribam district, were found near the confluence of Jiri River and Barak River along the Manipur-Assam border on Friday evening,” an official said.
The deceased was then shifted to the mortuary of Silchar Medical College Hospital (SMCH) in Assam, pending post-mortem examination.
The discovery comes after three women and three children, staying in a relief camp, went missing following an armed clash between security personnel and militants in Jiribam district on Monday.
(with input from agencies)