Tensions Escalate in Manipur as Protests Erupt in Imphal Valley over Discovery of Six Bodies

Protests erupted across several districts in the Imphal valley on Saturday, following the discovery of six bodies believed to be those of individuals missing since November 7th in Jiribam district. The deceased, who were part of a single family, included three women and three children, with the youngest being just two and a half months old. The bodies were found over two days, three on Friday and three more on Saturday.

The discovery sparked widespread outrage among the Meitei community, leading to violent protests. Demonstrators, largely women, stormed the residences of several local lawmakers, including BJP MLA Sapam Nishikanta and MLA RK Imo. The protestors set fire to properties and damaged buildings, including bunkers at Nishikanta's house in Keishampat and furniture at Imo's residence in Sagolband, Imphal West. The protesters also tried to barge into the personal residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening, setting off another big escalation between security forces and the protesters in the violence-hit state. The security forces had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

The situation swiftly deteriorated, prompting the state government to impose a curfew in Imphal West from 4:30 PM onwards and suspend internet services in the affected areas. Authorities hoped these measures would help contain the unrest and curb the spread of misinformation, which was fueling further tension.

The deaths occurred amid an ongoing conflict between armed militants and security forces. The victims went missing after a violent confrontation between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Manipur Police, triggered by an alleged attack on a CRPF camp and a police station in the region. While the Meitei community has blamed Kuki insurgents for the abductions and killings, Kuki-Zo groups have denied these allegations. They claim the deceased were "village volunteers" from the Hmar community, who had been defending their villages from potential Meitei attacks. According to Kuki-Zo organizations, the volunteers were killed in a confrontation with security forces.

In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur state Cabinet held an emergency meeting on Friday night. The Cabinet condemned the incidents in Jiribam and expressed concern over what it described as a “vested interest group” attempting to undermine the peace process initiated by the central government.

The Coordination Committee on Manipur Unity (COCOMI), a group representing the Meitei community, has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and secure the safe return of the missing individuals. The committee also warned of severe consequences if the bodies of the six individuals were not recovered, or if those responsible for their deaths were not brought to justice.

The recent killings have sent shockwaves across the state, further deepening the ethnic tensions that have plagued Manipur in recent months. On Saturday morning, the busy Imphal Khwairamband Keithel market witnessed widespread protests, with demonstrators expressing their anger and demanding justice for the victims.