On Saturday, Manipur once again witnessed a terrible form of violence. An angry mob tried to attack the private residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in Imphal. The situation deteriorated so much that the security forces had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Thankfully, Chief Minister Biren Singh was not present at his home at that time. He was said to be safe in his office, but this incident came as another serious warning of the deteriorating situation in Manipur.
Ministers’ houses were also not spared by the anger
The anger of the angry protesters was not limited to the Chief Minister’s house. They also attacked the house of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan at Lamfel Sankeithel. Apart from this, the house of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L. Susindro Singh was also targeted.
These attacks exposed the growing discontent against the government. The protesters believe that the state authorities have completely failed to stop the increasing violence.
Protest outside BJP MLA’s house too
Protesters also created a ruckus outside the house of BJP MLA and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s son-in-law R.K. Imo in Sagolband. They demanded answers from the government for the recent killings and warned that if the culprits were not arrested within 24 hours, they would launch a bigger agitation.
One protester angrily said, “How many more lives should we wait for? They only make empty promises. If they can’t do anything, then step down!”
Curfew and internet ban: A temporary solution
To control the situation, the Manipur government imposed curfew from 4:30 pm in Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur districts. Along with this, internet and mobile data services were suspended in many districts.
The government believes that these measures will stop the spread of inflammatory content and fake news. But the general public is considering it an attempt to suppress their voice. Expressing anger, a resident said, “Internet shutdown will not end the anger. We are angry, not stupid.”
Recovery of six bodies increased anger
This time the violence started with the recovery of six bodies, which were allegedly of missing Meitei community people. These bodies were found near a camp, where recently security forces killed 10 Hmar men.
The security forces described the dead as militants, but the Kuki-Jo community claims that they were village volunteers. The recovered bodies included two young women, their children and an old woman.
This recovery of bodies became a volcano of anger in the Meitei community and they decided to take to the streets demanding justice.
Public anger over the return of AFSPA
The reinstatement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in violence-affected areas has further fueled public anger. The protesters believe that this step will not solve the problem but will increase it further.
“AFSPA is not a solution to the problem. It is just rubbing salt on the wound,” an angry protester said.
Attack on Nishikanta Singh’s house
A mob protested outside the house of independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh on Tiddim Road. When they learnt that the MLA was out of the state, they attacked his office and the makeshift structure of a local newspaper owned by him.
The incident reflects how frustrated and dissatisfied the citizens of Manipur have become with their leaders.
Home Ministry’s response
As the situation worsened, the Union Home Ministry, headed by Amit Shah, directed the security forces to “take necessary steps to restore peace and order”.
However, locals believe the move came too late.
Demand for review of AFSPA
The Manipur government has formally demanded the Centre to review and withdraw the reinstatement of AFSPA. The state cabinet discussed the issue and sent a recommendation to the Centre.
But many see it as a delayed attempt by the government to act sooner.
A burning question: Will Manipur see peace?
The crisis in Manipur is not just a story of violence, curfews or internet shutdowns. It is a mix of discontent, ethnic tensions and government failures.
People are not just demanding arrests; they are demanding transparency, accountability and most importantly, peace.
As one protester said, “We don’t want curfews or internet shutdowns. We want answers. We want justice. And we want leaders who lead rather than hide.”
If this anger and grief is ignored, the consequences could be dire not just for Manipur but for the entire country.
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