New Delhi: Manipur is witnessing a fresh wave of unrest, as violent protests erupt across the state, worsening the already volatile situation. The recent events have heightened tensions, especially in the Imphal Valley, leading to political turmoil, targeted attacks on leaders, and increased security measures.
Here’s a detailed timeline of the unfolding developments and the context behind the ongoing crisis:

Union government’s intervention

Union Home Minister Amit Shah canceled election rallies in Maharashtra to focus on the situation in Manipur. He will chair a high-level meeting on Monday with key officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau Director, to devise a strategy to restore peace.

National Investigation Agency takes over cases

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been tasked with investigating three major cases linked to the violence, which include instances of significant loss of life and public disruption. The agency stepped in following orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

NPP withdraws support from BJP-led governmen

The National People’s Party (NPP) on Sunday, announced its withdrawal of support from the BJP-led government in Manipur. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, also NPP’s National President, expressed disappointment over the government's failure to restore peace.

"The current leadership in Manipur has been unable to bring the crisis under control or restore normalcy," he stated.

CM N Biren Singh has called a meeting of all BJP and allied MLAs at the CM Secretariat in Imphal at 6:00 PM on Monday, to address the emerging situation in the state.

Attacks on politicians’ residences

Protesters turned their anger toward political leaders, targeting their homes in various districts of the Imphal Valley:

  • PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam: Residence attacked in Ningthoukhong.
  • BJP MLA Y Radheshyam: House set ablaze in Langmeidong Bazar.
  • BJP MLA Paonam Brojen: Residence partially burned in Thoubal district.
  • Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar: Property vandalized in Imphal East district.

Attempts to storm the ancestral residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh were also thwarted by security forces. Thankfully, none of the politicians or their family members were present during the attacks.

The trigger: Discovery of decomposed bodies

On November 11, Manipur Police said 10 suspected militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces after insurgents in camouflage uniforms and armed with sophisticated weapons fired indiscriminately at Borobekra police station and an adjacent CRPF camp at Jakuradhor in Jiribam.

Hours later, suspected militants allegedly abducted six civilians, including women and children from the same district, police said. The discovery of six decomposed bodies in the same district the next day intensified public anger, leading to widespread protests.

Curfews and security clamp

In response to the escalating violence, an indefinite curfew was imposed across several districts. The Union Home Ministry reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six violence-hit police station areas, including Jiribam.

Root cause: Ethnic strife since May 2023

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic strife since May 2023, rooted in tensions between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups:

Meiteis, primarily based in the Imphal Valley, are demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a move opposed by hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo tribes. Clashes broke out during a "Tribal Solidarity March," leading to over 220 deaths and thousands becoming homeless. 

The discovery of a farmer's mutilated body in June and the recent shootout in Jiribam have reignited violence.

(Agency inputs)