Curfew re-imposed in Imphal after fresh violence rocks Manipur; Internet services suspended in 7 districts

The State Government of Manipur on Saturday has re-imposed indefinite curfew in two valley districts in view of “deteriorating law and order situation” after fresh flare up had hit the Jiribam district since last week. Six people including three women and three children had gone missing on Monday after the attack on the relief camp inside Borobekra Police Station in Jiribam District. Their bodies were recovered on Saturday, leading to fresh violence in Imphal.

"Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above mentioned curfew relaxation oder stands cancelled with immediate effect. Total curfew is imposed w.e.f from 4.30pm of November 16 until further orders”, read the government notification, issued by Imphal West District Magistrate Th Kirankumar after violence broke out in protest against the killings in Jiribam. Internet services have been suspended in Valley's Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and hilly Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts.

Angry protesters have set ablaze houses of several valley based MLAs and ministers. Houses of CM N Biren Singh’s son-in-law Rajkumar Imo Singh, Sapam Kunjakeswar and Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta came under attack of irate mob. Protesters blocked roads and burnt tyres as part of demonstrations.

Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday imposed Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police station jurisdictions of Manipur including Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West, Lamlai in Imphal East, Moirang in Bishnupur district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Jiribam. Voice first started on May 3, 2023 and nineteen months since then the situation continues to remain volatile, as per MHA’s own admission. More than 200 people have lost their lives, more than 60,000 people are internal displaced.

The violence in Jiribam saw an escalation last week that eventually also saw the killing of 10 armed militants at the hands of central forces.​