Guwahati/Imphal
The recovery of bodies of three children and three women — missing since the November 11 attack by Kuki militants in Jiribam district — led to a surge in violence in Imphal valley districts on Saturday as angry mobs stormed the residences of local MLAs and destroyed property in protest. The six, all suspected Meiteis, were feared to be held hostage by the Kuki militants.
Curfew was imposed in Imphal West and Imphal East and internet services were suspended in seven districts for the next two days. Internet has been suspended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts. The State government declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Saturday.
The Union Home Ministry directed all the security forcs deployed in the state “to take necessary steps to restore order and peace”. “Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. Important cases have been handed over to NIA for effective investigation. Public are requested to maintain peace, not believe in rumours and cooperate with the security forces to maintain law and order in the State,” the Ministry said in an official statement.
“The security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days. Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order,” the Ministry maintained.
The three women and three children who lived in a relief camp went missing after a gunfight between security forces and militants in Jiribam district on Monday, with Meitei organisations alleging that they were kidnapped by militants.
On November 11, Kuki militants had attacked a CRPF post and the Borobekra police station but the assault was thwarted by security forces, which killed 10 militants. The militants had also attacked some Meitei areas and it was then that they kidnapped the three women and three children from a relief camp near the police station.
On November 13, the Centre reimposed Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur’s six police station areas, including Jiribam. The Union Home Ministry asserted that the decision was taken in light of the “continuous volatile situation” due to the ongoing ethnic violence.
