Political Leaders' Homes Burned, Curfew Imposed
Manipur remains on high alert as violent protests and unrest grip several parts of the state. The violence was triggered by the shocking discovery of six bodies in Jiribam district, including those of women and children, who were allegedly abducted and killed by militants. The gruesome incident has further intensified tensions, leading to widespread protests across the state.
In a significant development, the Manipur government has formally requested the Centre to review and withdraw the reimposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations. This move comes as the state seeks to de-escalate the situation and ease the growing discontent among local residents, many of whom are protesting the military presence in the wake of escalating violence.
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Political Leaders’ Homes Attacked
The ongoing unrest has taken a violent turn, with agitators attacking several political figures’ residences. Among the most notable incidents, the homes of the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, and his son-in-law, BJP MLA RK Imo, were set on fire. Other prominent political leaders in the state have also been targeted. The destruction of these residences has sparked further protests, making it clear that the violence is not just against the authorities, but also aimed at weakening the political establishment.
Indefinite Curfew Imposed
To contain the spread of violence and prevent further damage, authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in several districts of the Imphal Valley, where most of the protests have occurred. In addition to the curfew, the government has suspended services in some areas to curb the unrest. The curfew has left many residents confined to their homes, heightening fears of more violence and restricting access to essential services.
Amit Shah Cancels Maharashtra Rallies
As the situation in Manipur continues to spiral, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has canceled his scheduled election rallies in Maharashtra. The rallies, part of the BJP’s campaign for upcoming state elections, were set to take place today. Shah is now reportedly returning to Delhi to closely monitor the situation in Manipur and coordinate with state authorities on the ground.
The cancellation of Shah’s rallies underscores the seriousness of the situation in Manipur, which has now drawn national attention. With violent protests continuing to spread, it remains to be seen how the Centre and state government will address the unrest in the coming days.
AFSPA and the Path Forward
The call from the Manipur government to review the reimposition of AFSPA is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis. The AFSPA, which gives the military sweeping powers in “disturbed areas,” has long been a contentious issue in the region. Human rights organizations and local groups have frequently criticized the act for its potential to lead to abuses by security forces. The government’s request reflects growing concerns that the continued presence of the military is exacerbating tensions, rather than resolving them.
In response to these developments, the state cabinet met on November 15 and made the formal recommendation to the Centre to withdraw the declaration of the six police station areas as “disturbed zones” under AFSPA. The decision, if accepted, could significantly alter the security landscape in Manipur, but it remains to be seen whether the Centre will agree to the request.
Manipur Violence: Trucks Carrying Essentials Set on Fire
Conclusion
Manipur is facing one of its most volatile periods in recent years. With homes of political leaders burned, AFSPA under review, and curfews enforced, the state is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. The discovery of the six bodies in Jiribam, the violent protests that followed, and the response from both state and national leaders have left Manipur on edge. As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are now on the Centre’s next steps in addressing both the immediate violence and the longer-term concerns surrounding AFSPA in the state.
The state’s government, while calling for calm and reviewing its security policies, will have to navigate a delicate balance between restoring peace and addressing the underlying grievances that have sparked the current unrest.
