Violence escalates in Manipur: Protester killed in gunfight, NIA takes over three key cases – top developments | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Violence continued to escalate in Manipur on Monday, with one protester killed and six others killed in separate incidents, as clashes between security forces and civilians intensified. The unrest has led to the imposition of curfews and internet shutdown in several districts, including Imphal East and West, amid growing law and order concerns.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level meeting on Monday to review the security situation and formulate strategies to stabilize the region.
These are the most important developments:

Protester killed in clashes in Jiribam

On Sunday evening, a protester in his 20s, identified as K Athouba, was killed during a clash with security forces in Jiribam district, according to ANI. Police said the agitators who destroyed property near Babupara faced fire, although it remains unclear who opened fire. Eyewitnesses claimed the shots came from security forces.
Bodies found in Assam River after unrest in Manipur
Meanwhile, two bodies, an unidentified woman and a young girl, were found in the Barak River in Assam. The bodies were discovered in a gunny bag.
The discovery follows unrest in neighboring Manipur, sparked by the discovery of six bodies. The six victims, who were found earlier on Sunday, are believed to be three women and three children who went missing from a relief camp in Jiribam, Manipur. Jiribam has experienced violence, leading to the displacement of many and the establishment of relief camps.

NIA takes over important cases

The Union Home Ministry has transferred three cases of violence against civilians to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The cases involve allegations of widespread arson and looting, which police say led to the arrest of 23 persons from various districts, including Imphal East, West and Bishnupur.
The NIA took over these cases from the Manipur Police following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs as violent incidents related to the cases had escalated in recent months, resulting in fatalities and significant unrest in the region.

Shah will hold an important meeting

According to PTI, Shah’s meeting is expected to address these deep-rooted issues and provide guidelines to curb the unrest. Key officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, are expected to participate. The report also said that Shah is likely to give directions on how to handle the situation in the state.
The meeting comes after Shah canceled election rallies in Maharashtra to focus on deteriorating conditions in the northeastern state.

Curfew and internet shutdown in Imphal

Following the killings, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East and West, besides suspending internet services in seven districts. The streets in Imphal remain largely deserted, with heavy deployment of security personnel outside key locations such as the Prime Minister’s residence and the Raj Bhavan.
Markets and public transport services are closed and only pharmacies and some private vehicles are operating. Security has also been tightened around lawmakers’ homes, following several arsons this weekend.
The Center has also reintroduced the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in violence-affected areas, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Violence escalates as politicians’ homes are targeted

In the Imphal Valley, angry mobs set fire to the houses of several political figures, including BJP and Congress lawmakers. On Saturday evening, the ancestral residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh narrowly escaped being stormed by protesters. The incidents are linked to public outrage over the killings of women and children allegedly kidnapped by militants in Jiribam district.
On Sunday, the National People’s Party (NPP) announced it would withdraw support from the BJP-led government, citing its inability to restore peace. However, the BJP retains a majority in the 60-member Assembly with 32 MLAs, along with support from other parties.
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023, following clashes at a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. More than 220 people have been killed and thousands displaced as tensions between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups persist.