Manipur unrest key developments: NPP breaks alliance with BJP, protesters target political leaders as situation worsens in Imphal Valley | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Manipur descended into chaos over the weekend, with violent protests after six bodies were discovered in Jiribam district. Anger boiled over in the violence-hit state, where ethnic clashes have claimed more than 220 lives since May 2023. Protesters looted the houses of three ministers and six lawmakers, including the residence of BJP MLA RK Imo, son-in-law of CM N Biren Singh. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowds, but tension remained high.
In response, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in several districts of the Imphal Valley and suspended internet services to curb the spread of inflammatory content. The unrest also left roads in the capital Imphal strewn with debris.
Amid mounting criticism over the government’s failure to restore peace, the National People’s Party (NPP) on Sunday withdrew its support to the BJP-led government. Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra added to the political turbulence by saying, “I, along with all Congress MLAs, am ready to resign as MLA if the people of Manipur want to implement a new mandate to to bring peace to Manipur.”
As army and Assam Rifles personnel continue to patrol volatile areas, the BJP-led government faces mounting pressure to quell unrest and stabilize the state.
These are the most important developments-
NPP’s decision: response to growing violence
The NPP, which has seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, announced its decision through a letter to BJP president JP Nadda. “We strongly believe that the state government of Manipur led by Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy,” the party said.
However, the BJP retains its majority with 32 legislators and additional support from five Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLAs and six Janata Dal (United) members. The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) had already withdrawn its support earlier this year, citing similar concerns over rising ethnic violence in the state.
Violence continues to grip the state
Manipur has been plagued by ethnic clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups. The situation worsened over the weekend when mobs set fire to the houses of three BJP legislators and one Congress MLA. Properties of Public Works Department Minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLAs Y Radheshyam and Paonam Brojen were targeted in districts like Thoubal and Imphal East.
Fresh unrest broke out following the killing of three women and three children in Jiribam district by suspected militants. Ancestral homes of BJP MLA Kongkham Robindro and Chief Minister N Biren Singh were also attacked, although no casualties were reported.
Opposition voices: Congress leaders may resign
Manipur Congress president and MLA Keisham Meghachandra offered to resign along with all Congress legislators if it could help restore peace in the state. “I, along with all Congress MLAs, am ready to resign as MLA if the people of Manipur want to implement a new mandate to bring peace to Manipur,” Meghachandra wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
This bold stance underlines the growing dissatisfaction with the current government and its handling of the crisis.
Centre’s response: Amit Shah intervenes
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation after cutting short his visit to Maharashtra. He ordered security forces to take “all necessary steps” to restore order. “The situation remains fragile and armed miscreants from both communities are indulging in violence,” a home ministry statement said.
Shah will meet again on Monday to discuss further measures. The Center recently reintroduced the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police station areas, including Jiribam, to tackle the escalating crisis.
Ongoing investigations
Manipur police revealed that 10 suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jiribam district earlier this month. Meanwhile, the post-mortem reports of ten Kuki-Zo individuals killed in the conflict remain pending, postponing their funerals. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has raised concerns about the integrity of these reports and plans to conduct an independent review.
Political consequences and criticism
JMM leader Kalpana Soren criticized the BJP leaders for their perceived passivity. “Senior BJP leaders are floating around in other states but have no time to visit Manipur to address the atrocities against tribal women,” she said at a rally in Jharkhand.
The BJP-led government in Manipur continues to face mounting criticism over its handling of the crisis. Despite multiple security measures and curfews, violence shows no signs of abating, leaving the northeastern state in a prolonged state of unrest.
Ethnic divide is at the heart of the conflict
The ongoing agitation stems from the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, triggering protests from tribal groups in the hill districts. The violence began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in May 2023 and has since displaced thousands.