NEW DELHI: Manipur descended into chaos over the weekend, with violent protests erupting after six bodies were discovered in Jiribam district. Anger boiled over in the violence-hit state, where ethnic clashes since May 2023 have claimed over 220 lives. Protesters ransacked the homes of three ministers and six legislators, including the residence of BJP MLA RK Imo, the son-in-law of CM N Biren Singh. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the mob, but tension remained high.
In response, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew across multiple districts of the Imphal Valley and suspended internet services to curb the spread of inflammatory content. The unrest also left roads in the state capital, Imphal, strewn with debris.
Amid mounting criticism of the government’s failure to restore peace, the National People’s Party (NPP) on Sunday withdrew its support from the BJP-led administration. Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra added to the political turbulence, saying, “I, along with all the Congress MLAs, am ready to resign as an MLA if the people of Manipur want to bring a new mandate to bring peace in Manipur.”
As Army and Assam Rifles personnel continue to patrol volatile areas, the BJP-led government faces intensifying pressure to quell the unrest and stabilize the state.
Here are the top developments-
NPP's decision: Reaction to growing violence
The NPP, with seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, announced its decision through a letter to BJP President JP Nadda. “We strongly feel that the Manipur state government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy," the party said.
The BJP, however, retains its majority with 32 legislators and additional support from five Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLAs and six Janata Dal (United) members. The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) had already withdrawn its support earlier this year, citing similar concerns over the state's worsening ethnic violence.
Violence continues to grip the state
Manipur has been plagued by ethnic clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups. The situation worsened over the weekend, with mobs torching the homes of three BJP legislators and one Congress MLA. Properties belonging to Public Works Department Minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLAs Y Radheshyam and Paonam Brojen were targeted in districts like Thoubal and Imphal East.
Fresh unrest erupted after the killing of three women and three children in Jiribam district by suspected militants. Ancestral residences of BJP MLA Kongkham Robindro and chief minister N Biren Singh were also attacked, though no casualties were reported.
Opposition voices: Congress leaders may resign
Manipur Congress president and MLA Keisham Meghachandra offered to resign along with all Congress legislators if it could help restore peace in the state. "I, along with all the Congress MLAs, am ready to resign as an MLA if the people of Manipur want to bring a new mandate to bring peace in Manipur," Meghachandra posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This bold stance underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and its handling of the crisis.
Centre’s response: Amit Shah steps in
Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation after cutting short his Maharashtra visit. He directed security forces to take “all necessary steps” to restore order. "The situation remains fragile, and armed miscreants from both communities are indulging in violence," a home ministry statement said.
Shah is scheduled to hold another meeting on Monday to discuss further actions. The Centre recently reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police station areas, including Jiribam, to address the escalating crisis.
Ongoing investigations
The Manipur Police revealed that 10 suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jiribam district earlier this month. Meanwhile, post-mortem reports for 10 Kuki-Zo individuals killed in the conflict remain pending, delaying their funerals. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has raised concerns about the integrity of these reports and plans to conduct an independent review.
Political fallout and criticism
JMM leader Kalpana Soren criticized BJP leaders for their perceived inaction. “Senior BJP leaders are hovering around other states but have no time to visit Manipur to address the atrocities against tribal women,” she said during a rally in Jharkhand.
The BJP-led government in Manipur continues to face mounting criticism over its handling of the crisis. Despite multiple security clampdowns and curfews, the violence shows no signs of abating, leaving the northeastern state in a prolonged state of turmoil.
Ethnic divide at the heart of the conflict
The ongoing unrest stems from the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which triggered protests from tribal groups in the hill districts. The violence began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in May 2023 and has since displaced thousands.
In response, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew across multiple districts of the Imphal Valley and suspended internet services to curb the spread of inflammatory content. The unrest also left roads in the state capital, Imphal, strewn with debris.
Amid mounting criticism of the government’s failure to restore peace, the National People’s Party (NPP) on Sunday withdrew its support from the BJP-led administration. Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra added to the political turbulence, saying, “I, along with all the Congress MLAs, am ready to resign as an MLA if the people of Manipur want to bring a new mandate to bring peace in Manipur.”
As Army and Assam Rifles personnel continue to patrol volatile areas, the BJP-led government faces intensifying pressure to quell the unrest and stabilize the state.
Here are the top developments-
NPP's decision: Reaction to growing violence
The NPP, with seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, announced its decision through a letter to BJP President JP Nadda. “We strongly feel that the Manipur state government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy," the party said.
The BJP, however, retains its majority with 32 legislators and additional support from five Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLAs and six Janata Dal (United) members. The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) had already withdrawn its support earlier this year, citing similar concerns over the state's worsening ethnic violence.
Violence continues to grip the state
Manipur has been plagued by ethnic clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups. The situation worsened over the weekend, with mobs torching the homes of three BJP legislators and one Congress MLA. Properties belonging to Public Works Department Minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLAs Y Radheshyam and Paonam Brojen were targeted in districts like Thoubal and Imphal East.
Fresh unrest erupted after the killing of three women and three children in Jiribam district by suspected militants. Ancestral residences of BJP MLA Kongkham Robindro and chief minister N Biren Singh were also attacked, though no casualties were reported.
Opposition voices: Congress leaders may resign
Manipur Congress president and MLA Keisham Meghachandra offered to resign along with all Congress legislators if it could help restore peace in the state. "I, along with all the Congress MLAs, am ready to resign as an MLA if the people of Manipur want to bring a new mandate to bring peace in Manipur," Meghachandra posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This bold stance underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and its handling of the crisis.
Centre’s response: Amit Shah steps in
Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation after cutting short his Maharashtra visit. He directed security forces to take “all necessary steps” to restore order. "The situation remains fragile, and armed miscreants from both communities are indulging in violence," a home ministry statement said.
Shah is scheduled to hold another meeting on Monday to discuss further actions. The Centre recently reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police station areas, including Jiribam, to address the escalating crisis.
Ongoing investigations
The Manipur Police revealed that 10 suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jiribam district earlier this month. Meanwhile, post-mortem reports for 10 Kuki-Zo individuals killed in the conflict remain pending, delaying their funerals. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has raised concerns about the integrity of these reports and plans to conduct an independent review.
Political fallout and criticism
JMM leader Kalpana Soren criticized BJP leaders for their perceived inaction. “Senior BJP leaders are hovering around other states but have no time to visit Manipur to address the atrocities against tribal women,” she said during a rally in Jharkhand.
The BJP-led government in Manipur continues to face mounting criticism over its handling of the crisis. Despite multiple security clampdowns and curfews, the violence shows no signs of abating, leaving the northeastern state in a prolonged state of turmoil.
Ethnic divide at the heart of the conflict
The ongoing unrest stems from the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which triggered protests from tribal groups in the hill districts. The violence began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in May 2023 and has since displaced thousands.
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