Manipur Violence: Hostage Killings Trigger Unrest in Manipur. Legislators’ Homes Torched. CM N Biren Singh and Son-in-law Targeted by mob.
The killing of six individuals by insurgents in Manipur has sparked widespread protests. An enraged mob attacked the homes of ministers and legislators, expressing their anger against the government.
The unrest escalated after the bodies of three out of six missing persons were recovered near a river on Friday. On Saturday, protesters targeted the residences of three state ministers and six legislators, prompting the government to impose an indefinite curfew in five districts.
The mob first attacked the homes of key leaders before marching towards the residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters as the situation worsened.
Amid the chaos, internet services were suspended in some areas of the state. According to police, protesters vandalized the homes of six legislators, including the Chief Minister’s son-in-law, and set their properties on fire. The bodies of three missing persons were found near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers on the Manipur-Assam border late Friday night.
Attacks on Ministers and Legislators
Protesters targeted the residences of Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs Minister L. Susindro Singh, and Urban Development Minister Y. Khemchand. Sapam Ranjan assured protesters that the issue would be discussed in a cabinet meeting and promised to resign if the government failed to respect public sentiment.
Similarly, an agitated mob attacked the home of Minister L. Susindro Singh in the Khurai area of Imphal East district. Security forces used tear gas to control the situation when the crowd attempted to storm the residence later in the evening.
The residence of Minister Y. Khemchand in the Singjamei area of Imphal West was also vandalized. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the house of BJP MLA R.K. Imo in Sagolband, chanting slogans. R.K. Imo, who is also the Chief Minister’s son-in-law, demanded swift action from the government and urged authorities to arrest the culprits within 24 hours.
Additional Incidents and Security Measures
Protesters set fire to properties belonging to BJP MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor, including a vehicle parked outside his residence. In another incident, the home of BJP MLA Joykishan Singh in Thangmeiband was vandalized. Residences of JD(U) MLA T. Arun from Wangkhei constituency and BJP MLA Karam Shyam from Langthabal were also surrounded by protesters.
In a separate development, security forces engaged in a brief encounter with suspected insurgents in the Irengbam Maning area of Bishnupur district. No casualties were reported in the incident.
The government continues to monitor the volatile situation as efforts are underway to restore peace in the state.
