23 Arrested 24 Hours After Attack on CM Biren Singh’s Home; Imphal Completes Curfew
23 Arrested 24 Hours After Attack on CM Biren Singh’s Home; Imphal Completes Curfew
A day after an angry mob stormed the private residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Imphal, the Manipur Police arrested 23 individuals, allegedly involved in ransacking and setting fire to houses of MLAs.
Large-scale violence erupted in parts of the Imphal Valley districts on Saturday as mobs attacked the residences of several MLAs and destroyed property, reportedly over the killing of six people, whose bodies were found in Jiribam after they were kidnapped allegedly by militants.
The bodies, including that of an eight-month-old child, were found in the Barak River, said locals, adding that they had been missing since Monday following violent clashes where 10 armed Kuki men were killed in a gunfight with security forces.
“Eight persons have been injured in the process of mob dispersal. Further, 23 persons who were part of the mob indulging in ransacking and arson of the houses above have been arrested,” the Manipur Police said in an X post.
On 16.11.2024, irate mobs have targeted various houses and properties of public representatives including Ministers and MLAs of the State in Imphal. Police have resorted to firing tear gas shells etc. to disperse the mob. Security forces including Army and Assam Rifles have been…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) November 17, 2024
The police added that the arrests were made from Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur districts and they recovered a .32 pistol, seven rounds of SBBL, and eight mobile phones from their possession.
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Total Curfew In Imphal, Internet Cut
Given the violent protests, a total curfew was imposed in the towns of Imphal West and Imphal East and internet services were cut in parts of the state.
The state officials informed that in fresh orders, they have imposed internet restrictions in the Jiribam and Pherazwal districts of Manipur for the next two days.
“Total curfew has been immediately clamped in the town until further orders. Internet and mobile data services have been suspended for 02 days immediately. SsP/ COs have been deployed on the ground to manage the law-and-order situation,” the Manipur Police said.
The ministers whose residences came under attack by protesters include Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L Susindro Singh, and Municipal Administration and Housing Development Minister Y Khemchand. Others targeted include BJP MLA RK Imo, who is the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Rahul Gandhi Urges PM To Visit Manipur
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the strife-torn Manipur to restore peace and heal the region.
“After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution. I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region,” Gandhi said in an X post.
The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing.
After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 16, 2024
The Centre had, on several occasions, sent additional security forces and promised firm action against violent members of both communities, causing unrest in the northeastern state.
Since May last year, at least 250 people have lost their lives, and 60,000 have been displaced in Manipur due to inter-communal clashes over government grants and quotas in jobs and education.
