Manipur: Internet blocked in six districts as kidnappers murder 6 during increasing violence
Manipur faced growing unrest after six individuals were kidnapped and murdered, allegedly by insurgents, in the wake of a security operation in Borobekra. Protests erupted as citizens demanded justice for the victims, with accusations that local authorities had not acted swiftly to locate the missing people.
Nov 16, 2024, 19:47 IST
Manipur: Violence in Manipur has intensified with a gunfight reported between insurgent and security personnel in Borobekra. As responses, six people were taken away from the relief camp, which prompted the people of Lamlai and Chalo villages under Imphal East to take to the streets and protest. The government of Manipur has reacted by halting internet services for six districts amid the growing crisis.
While all these were happening, three bodies were recovered at the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers near the Manipur-Assam border. The authorities suspect that the three bodies belong to the six missing persons from Jiribam district, though the police could not establish the identities of the victims yet. Social organizations in Imphal Valley accused insurgents of kidnapping the six persons after a failed attack on the Borobekra police station by the security forces.
On Thursday, candlelight protests were held at Imphal and Jiribam demanding the immediate release of the kidnapped people. The locals criticized politicians in the locality, including the MLA, Jiribam, for not taking any action previously for the search of missing people. Retorting to the situation, which is growing unruly, the state authorities declared schools and colleges closed on Saturday while imposing a temporary suspension of internet services in six districts in an attempt to curb anti-social elements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the security forces to undertake appropriate measures in order to restore peace to the state. The situation remains sensitive as both communities are involved in armed violence, with casualties and disturbance of public order.
While all these were happening, three bodies were recovered at the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers near the Manipur-Assam border. The authorities suspect that the three bodies belong to the six missing persons from Jiribam district, though the police could not establish the identities of the victims yet. Social organizations in Imphal Valley accused insurgents of kidnapping the six persons after a failed attack on the Borobekra police station by the security forces.
On Thursday, candlelight protests were held at Imphal and Jiribam demanding the immediate release of the kidnapped people. The locals criticized politicians in the locality, including the MLA, Jiribam, for not taking any action previously for the search of missing people. Retorting to the situation, which is growing unruly, the state authorities declared schools and colleges closed on Saturday while imposing a temporary suspension of internet services in six districts in an attempt to curb anti-social elements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the security forces to undertake appropriate measures in order to restore peace to the state. The situation remains sensitive as both communities are involved in armed violence, with casualties and disturbance of public order.
