In recent days, Manipur, particularly the districts of Imphal West and Imphal East, has experienced a series of violent incidents. On Wednesday, three separate incidents of violence were reported in Kadangband, Imphal West district. These incidents have raised concerns and prompted officials to tighten security measures in the affected areas.
One of the incidents involved a mob storming the residence of Union Minister of State for External Affairs, RK Ranjan Singh, in Kongba, Imphal East district. The attack took place on Thursday night, prompting the Superintendent of Police Imphal East and Inspector General of Police Themthing Ngasangva Themthing to rush to the scene with additional forces. Rapid Action Police (RAP) personnel deployed at the site used tear gas and fired five blank rounds to disperse the crowd.
In a separate incident, earlier in the week, another mob attempted to storm the residence of Manipur Forest Minister Th Bishwajit Singh in Thongju Kitna Panung. However, the Manipur Police intervened and managed to stop the mob, preventing further escalation of violence.
Following the incidents, security in the area was intensified, and a curfew was imposed. However, there has been a recent relaxation of the curfew in East and West Manipur from 5 am to 12 noon on May 26, as per a notification issued by the Manipur Government. The relaxation allows people to leave their residences for essential purposes such as purchasing medicines and food supplies. However, gatherings for any other purpose are still prohibited.
These incidents of violence and unrest are part of a larger issue in Manipur, which has experienced ethnic violence in recent months. Chief Minister N Biren Singh previously stated that around 60 people have lost their lives in these incidents. The violence has also resulted in the burning of houses, and new incidents continue to be reported from different parts of the state.
The local authorities and law enforcement agencies are working to address the situation and maintain peace and order in Manipur. It is important for the government and the community to collaborate in finding long-term solutions to the underlying causes of violence and to promote unity and harmony among different ethnic groups in the region
