Manipur On Edge: Meitei Group Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum As Fresh Violence Erupts After CM's House Attacked

Civil society organisations in Manipur have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding decisive action against armed militant groups, reported NDTV.

Fresh unrest erupted on Saturday evening when a mob attempted to storm the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Photo Credit: PTI

Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd, which had gathered in anger following the discovery of six missing bodies in Jiribam district. The deceased included an infant and two women, further fuelling public outrage over the government's perceived inaction and poor communication.

The bodies, including that of an eight-month-old child, were recovered from the Barak River. These individuals had been missing since Monday, following violent clashes in which 10 armed Kuki men were killed during a gunfight with security forces.

Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson for the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil rights group, called for immediate action: "All the representatives of the state and all the MLAs should sit together and take some decisive action to resolve this crisis as soon as possible. If they don't take any decision up to the satisfaction of the people of Manipur, then they will bear the brunt of the people's discontentment."

COCOMI has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state and central governments, demanding decisive action and a military crackdown against armed groups.

The imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas has also drawn criticism. Civil society groups argue that the law, which grants extensive powers to security forces, has exacerbated mistrust and anger among the population.

COCOMI has called for immediate military action against militants and the repeal of AFSPA. Athouba warned of significant public backlash if their demands are not met within the stipulated time.

On Saturday, protesters attacked the homes of three state ministers and six MLAs, including that of Chief Minister Singh's son-in-law, BJP MLA RK Imo Singh.

The MLA's residence was vandalised, and his property was set alight. Similar attacks were reported at the homes of Municipal Administration Minister Y Khemchand and Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh, with security forces using tear gas to disperse the mobs.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan's residence also came under attack. A representative of the Lamphel Sanakeithel Development Authority stated that Ranjan assured protesters he would raise their demands in a cabinet meeting and even resign if the government failed to act.

In response to the escalating violence, the state government imposed indefinite curfews in five districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Internet services were suspended across seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and further violence.

Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi justified the internet shutdown, citing its potential to inflame tensions further.

The ongoing conflict between the Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes collectively known as the Kukis has claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people in Manipur.

The Meiteis, classified under the general category, are seeking Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kukis, who have ethnic ties to Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram, are demanding a separate administration carved out of Manipur.