In a month-long wave of violence that has gripped Manipur, the situation took a turn for the worse as protesters, predominantly led by women, escalated their activities, leading to road blockades and the burning of villages. The recent incident in Imphal East’s Khanellok village resulted in the tragic death of nine individuals, with the violent mob leaving a trail of destruction along the 17-kilometre route between Khamenlok and Govajang. The increasing ferocity of the clashes has raised concerns among security officials, who suspect premeditated motives behind the recent events.
According to security officials, the Tuesday incidents, including arson, deaths, and the road blockade, may have been planned. Reports suggest that a group of 600 people, mainly elderly women, had blocked the road leading to the affected area a day before the incident, effectively preventing the intervention of security forces. The situation was compounded by the fact that a team of 200 to 250 Indian Army and Assam Rifles personnel was unable to reach the affected areas due to the road blockade at Chanung in Taretkhul. The mob, which had positioned elderly women at the front, obstructed the path, impeding the security forces from entering the area.
As a result of the violence, at least eight villages, including Govajang, Songjan, Jordenphai, Thambol, Aigijang, P Phinom, Khuipung, and Choullophai, fell victim to arson. The residents of these villages had already evacuated to the forested hills upon the arrival of the mobs, who proceeded to burn the abandoned houses. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the arson attacks, but over 100 houses were destroyed, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Despite efforts by senior officials of the Army and the Assam Rifles to persuade the protesters to cease the blockade, the road remained closed even on Wednesday night. The use of women as human shields by the road blockaders has made it challenging for security agencies to disperse the protests forcefully. While a small team of Assam Rifles remained in Khamenlok, the larger group equipped to handle mob violence remained stationed at Chanung.
This recent incident is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader pattern of violence that has been ongoing in Manipur for over a month. Numerous groups, led predominantly by women, have been blocking roads in different parts of the state. These protesters have accused the central forces of taking sides or engaging in violence themselves. Sections of the NH2 highway have also been blocked intermittently in protest, with the demonstrators largely comprised of women, particularly elderly women. Security agencies have refrained from using force to disperse these protests, given the involvement of women.
Since May 3, when the ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur, the death toll has now reached at least 115 individuals. The recent incident in Khanellok village and the subsequent violence have further hindered the state’s efforts to restore normalcy.
As the situation remains volatile, authorities are urged to prioritize de-escalation and engage in dialogue with the aggrieved parties to find a peaceful resolution. The protection of innocent lives and the restoration of harmony should be paramount in efforts to bring an end to the violence that has plagued Manipur in recent months.
