Manipur’s capital city, Imphal, was engulfed in a fresh wave of violence and arson as a group of individuals set several houses ablaze on Monday. In response, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced that three individuals, including a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), had been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the acts of violence.
The unrest in Imphal West district began on Sunday night when three people sustained minor injuries from gunshots fired by miscreants. Prompt action by the police led to the arrest of the culprits, who were found in possession of double-barrel guns. On Monday, another incident occurred in the New Lambulane area of Imphal city, where an ex-MLA was allegedly implicated in a conspiracy. Two armed individuals carrying single-barrel guns reportedly threatened vendors and forced them to evacuate the area. Subsequently, the former MLA and the two armed personnel were apprehended.
Chief Minister Biren Singh expressed his concern over the involvement of the ex-MLA and stressed that the government was committed to taking action against those responsible for instigating violence. He further highlighted that the overall situation in Manipur had remained relatively peaceful over the past 10 days, urging the people of the state to remain calm and contribute to the restoration of peace and normalcy.
The incident on Monday took place in the New Checkon market area of New Lambulane, located in Imphal East district, when a group of individuals targeted houses belonging to those who had fled the earlier outbreak of violence this month. Prior to the arson, a clash occurred in the main market of New Checkon, a region inhabited by a diverse mix of Kuki, Meitei, and other ethnic groups. During the curfew relaxation period on Monday morning, the former MLA allegedly led a group armed with firearms and instructed traders from a specific community to close their shops.
Following the recent violence, the relaxation period for the curfew in the capital area has been reduced by two hours, now ending at 2 pm instead of 4 pm. Authorities have taken measures to curb the sporadic incidents of violence, with deployed army and paramilitary forces swiftly responding to such incidents and restoring control.
In an effort to maintain peace and prevent the spread of disinformation and false rumors, the Manipur government has extended the restrictions on internet services, which were initially imposed on May 3, for an additional five days until May 26.
The outbreak of ethnic violence in various parts of Manipur began on May 3 and continued until May 5, triggered by a proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the dominant Meitei community, which faced opposition from tribal groups. The unfortunate episodes of violence and arson have resulted in the loss of over 70 lives and displacement of more than 30,000 individuals.
The government, along with law enforcement agencies, is working diligently to restore peace, provide security, and investigate the incidents. The authorities are determined to take strict action against those responsible for disrupting the harmony and stability of Manipur, ensuring that the culprits face justice for their actions.
