Seven more people killed in Manipur; central forces unable to contain violence

IMPHAL: Seven more people were killed in Manipur where violence continues to spread. A youth was shot dead yesterday morning during an encounter with security forces in the Jiribam district. Six bodies were recovered from various places. The naked bodies of a woman and a girl were found tied in a sack and dumped in the Barak River near the Assam border. A curfew is in place in various districts, including Imphal. The Internet ban has been extended for two more days in seven districts.

The violence erupted after 11 youths belonging to the Kuki group were killed last week. On Saturday, assailants attacked a Meitei refugee camp and abducted six people, including women and children. Their bodies were recovered on Sunday. 13 houses of ministers and MLAs were set on fire by the mob on Saturday and Sunday. Attempts were made to vandalize the residences of Chief Minister Biren Singh and his son-in-law.

The coordination committee of the Meitei organisations issued an ultimatum to the government on Sunday, demanding the dismantling of Kuki armed camps within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Kukis have demanded the dismantling of Metei armed camps. Chief Minister Biren Singh convened an NDA front meeting yesterday to discuss the situation.

50 additional CAPF companies
50 additional CAPF companies will be sent to Manipur. An additional 6,000 people will be reaching the conflict-affected areas. 218 CAPF companies are now present in the state. It was Union Home Minister Amit Shah who gave instructions to send additional CAPF companies to Manipur. A Union ministerial team is likely to visit Manipur. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reached Imphal in the evening.

The high-level meeting held in Delhi under the leadership of Amit Shah decided to take strong actions to reinstate peace and suppress violence in Manipur. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary, IB Director and senior officials of Central and Manipur governments attended the meeting.

Mass resignation in BJP
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Biren Singh received a setback after 8 leaders resigned from the BJP in Jiribam alleging that the government failed in suppressing the riots. The National People's Party (NPP), which has 7 MLAs, withdrew its support to the government the other day.

• Number of people killed this month: 23
• Number of people killed after May 2023: 225