Manipur Violence Explained: New Wave of Aggravated Unrest and Protest Shake North-Eastern State

Violence and anarchy have gripped Manipur once more as the state is underway with stern protests, attacks, and public rage. The latest round of tension has flared up over the recovery of six decomposed bodies believed to be connected with a recent shooting spree in Jiribam, where 10 Kuki militants were killed. The situation has thrown up violent protests across the Imphal valley, where mobs have gone about attacking the residences of government ministers and legislators.

Protests Erupt Over Alleged Hostage Killings

The violence erupted following the gruesome discovery of the six dead bodies suspected to be connected with the current present conflict. Protest ensued in response to the stern ultimatum issued by civil society groups, with the most influential one being Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, addressed at both the state and central governments. A warning from COCOMI: "If no decisive action is taken to resolve this crisis, the government will bear the brunt of the people's anger," said Khuraijam Athouba, the group's spokesperson. The group has urged the state government to take immediate action to prevent such violence and instability from reoccurring in future.

State Cabinet and Opposition Call for Action

In the context of rising violence, the Manipur state Cabinet has also asked the central government to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from six police station areas, which seems to be a change in security policy. However, it is the opposition, led by Okram Ibobi Singh, that has not only verbally panned government's handling of the crisis but also termed it as a "complete breakdown of constitutional machinery." Singh and other leaders have even agreed to quit urging the government to take more effective measures to establish order.

Tribal Groups Demand AFSPA Extension

While several outfits are demanding the abolition of AFSPA from some areas, tribal bodies from the Kuki-Zo-dominated areas want AFSPA to be enforced even in all the police stations of the valley. The committee on Tribal Unity has appealed to the Union Home Ministry to enforce AFSPA in the remaining 13 police stations which it feels will help to meet the rising security concerns in the valley.

Protests: Forces Deployed in the Valley

Belying the concerns of escalating violence and protests, the central government has sent senior officers from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to Manipur as part of security deployment to control the rising unrest. However, protests and counter-demands divide communities, and tensions are still high. Civil society groups and tribal bodies that have been demanding opposite measures have brought the situation to a critical point; which course can lead to resolution is uncertain.

Crisis in Manipur-the way forward:

It is with such efforts at the grassroots that state governments and central governments can expedite restoration of peace when violence starts to build up in Manipur. However, even the conflicting demands over AFSPA and the increasing tribal and non-tribal divide make this reconciliation seem all the longer and more complicated. For now, there is a quiet understanding that this should be a way to calm the unrest, bring back stability to the state, and make Manipur a normal part of India once again.

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