Manipur is once again plunged into turmoil following the discovery of six missing people’s bodies. As a result, violence has intensified, and protests have erupted across the state, particularly in the valley districts. In response to the escalating unrest, the Manipur government has requested the Center to remove the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from six police stations, including violence-prone Jiribam.
This week, however, the Central Government reimposed AFSPA in these six police stations. This decision came after a state cabinet meeting on November 15, where officials discussed the situation and agreed to review the act with the Center, ultimately recommending its withdrawal.
Under Section 3 of AFSPA 1958, authorities have declared the areas within these police stations as disturbed zones. In light of this, the state government is pushing for a review and withdrawal of this imposition, emphasizing public interest.
Given the current unrest, the authorities have imposed a curfew in Imphal West and Imphal East to control the protests against the killings in Jiribam. Furthermore, the government has shut down internet services in seven districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kongpokopi, and Churachandpur, to curb the spread of unrest.
In Imphal, meanwhile, protesters clashed violently with Kuki extremists and attempted to storm the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. However, security forces intervened, stopping the protesters. On the previous day, demonstrators also attacked the homes of three ministers and six MLAs, resulting in widespread vandalism and arson.