Curfew in Manipur: 24-hour ultimatum after CM Biren Singh’s house attacked; AFSPA imposed, internet suspended | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Manipur remains on high alert following violent protests sparked by the discovery of six bodies, including those of women and children, allegedly abducted and killed by militants in Jiribam district. In response to escalating tensions, authorities have imposed indefinite curfews and suspended internet services in several districts of Imphal Valley to stem the spread of unrest. The discovery of the bodies, along with widespread protests, has led to stringent security measures, including the deployment of Army and Assam Rifles personnel.
Piles of debris were found on roads in Imphal on the morning of Sunday, November 17, a day after protesters looted the houses of three state ministers and six lawmakers. The violence saw agitators attack several homes, including those of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s son-in-law, BJP MLA RK Imo, and other prominent political figures. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds as violent protests continued across the valley.
Also read: Amid clashes outside Assam hospital, bodies of ten Hmar men were flown to Manipur
The violence broke out after six people, three women and three children, went missing from a relief camp in Jiribam following a gun battle between militants and security forces. The bodies were later found in two separate incidents: three bodies, including those of a woman and two children, were discovered near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers, while the remaining bodies were recovered on Saturday. The discovery has sparked widespread protests, with angry demonstrators targeting the homes of local politicians and public representatives.
Also read: Protests rock Manipur, houses of CM relatives and ministers attacked
These are the most important developments

24-hour ultimatum by civil society groups

The Manipur Integrity Coordination Committee (COCOMI) has demanded military action against the militants responsible for the deaths within 24 hours. The group also called for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which was reintroduced in several districts earlier this month.
“There have been reports of further arson and burning of other buildings by miscreants, but these claims have not yet been independently verified,” the officials told news agency PTI.

‘Amit Shah cancels meetings and returns to Delhi’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah canceled his scheduled election rallies in Maharashtra and returned to Delhi in view of the escalating situation in Manipur, according to sources quoted by PTI. Shah had originally planned to address rallies in Gadchiroli, Wardha, Katol and Saoner as part of the ongoing election campaign in the state.
The elections in Maharashtra are scheduled for November 20 and the results will be declared on November 23.

Indefinite curfew imposed, internet suspended

In response to the escalating violence, a total curfew has been imposed in Imphal East, West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts of the Imphal Valley. The curfew was enforced after violent protests and attacks on the homes of political figures.
Authorities have temporarily suspended internet services in seven districts, including Imphal West and East, to prevent the spread of inflammatory content and maintain law and order.

Security reinforcements deployed

Protesters attacked the houses of several MLAs, including that of the chief minister’s son-in-law and BJP lawmaker RK Imo, as well as ministers like Sapam Ranjan, L Susindro Singh and Y Khemchand. The violence resulted in property damage and arson.
In response to the unrest, heavy security forces, including the Army and the Assam Rifles, have been deployed in Imphal. Flag marches have been held and additional checkpoints have been set up in vulnerable areas.

Arson in Jiribam, police arrest 23

Manipur police arrested 23 persons involved in the looting and arson of houses of public figures. Authorities also recovered firearms, including a .32 pistol, and several cellphones from those arrested.
According to officials, miscreants set fire to at least two churches and three houses in Jiribam town.

Rahul Gandhi urges Prime Minister to visit Manipur

Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and address the escalating violence. In a post on After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the central and state governments have made every effort to reconcile and find a solution. I once again urge the Prime Minister to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing to the region.

‘Na Manipur ek hai, na safe hai’: Kharge

Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of deliberately prolonging the violence in Manipur for political reasons. He posted on He also criticized Prime Minister Modi’s response to the crisis, saying, “If you visit Manipur in the future, the people of the state will never forgive or forget that you left them to fend for themselves, and never set foot in their state you will do to heal their misery.” and find a solution.” He also pointed to the growing toll, adding: “At least seventeen people have lost their lives since November 7.”