Manipur Violence: CM Biren Singh's House Attacked as Protests Turn Violent and Call for Withdrawal of AFSPA
Violence in Manipur has gone to a new extreme as the protest turned violent over the weekend. Mobs attacked the private residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh of Imphal and still things are moving from worse to worst between Kuki and Meitei communities. Security forces reacted quickly by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Fortunately, CM Biren Singh was not present in his home at the time and is reported safe.
Unrest quickly spread with protesters targeting the residences of many key government officials. Among these is the Health Minister, Sapam Ranjan, and Consumer Affairs Minister, L. Susindro Singh. The attacks feature among a long list of several government officials whose residences the violent mob has attacked. This exhibits deepening unrest against the government's inability to control the situation. Protesters blame authorities for not addressing the violence between Kuki and Meitei people that has stalked the state.
BJP MLA House Not Spared
Protesters were aggressive outside BJP MLA RK Imo's Sagolband residence. He is also an in-law of Chief Minister Biren Singh. Protesters gheraoed, demanding immediate action and charging to take away those persons who have killed people recently, which has culminated into this violence. Protesters demand strong action against the growing gory crime.
Curfew Imposed, Internet Suspended
The Manipur government enforced curfew in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts as situations deteriorated quickly. Curfew will come into place from 4:30 pm Saturday to stop the situation from getting worse. Apart from this, internet and mobile data services have also been suspended in Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts along with suspension on videos and messages going viral on social media.
Demands for Withdrawal of AFSPA
Renewed demands for the withdrawal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), that had been imposed earlier as part of security measures, have cropped up with the spate of violence. It was opposition leader Rahul Gandhi who asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to go to Manipur and find an amicable solution. They claim that it is the AFSPA that is fuelling the crisis and increasing the militant tensions in the region.
Manoeuvres of the situation in Manipur are reported to stay at a volatile tangent as tensions build up between Kuki and Meitei communities into violent street protests. Attacks on House of CM Biren Singh and imposition of curfew with Internet shutdown tell of the gravity of the crisis. As the demands for abrogation of AFSPA grow louder, everyone awaits the next governmental move in order to restore peace and stability to the region.
