Manipur’s Imphal Valley under Curfew as State Grapples with Fresh Violence

An indefinite curfew has been imposed on Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal districts in Manipur amidst the recent bouts of clashes in the state. The prohibitory orders were imposed following student protests in Imphal Valley. Essential services, including health, municipal staff, power, petrol stations, courts, flight passengers, and media personnel, are exempt from the curfew.

Earlier, a temporary relaxation of the curfew had been in place from 5 am to 10 am on Tuesday. However, due to "developing law and order situation" the relaxation was rescinded at 11 am, and the curfew was reinstated across the affected districts.

The recent bouts of violence has once again stirred a situation of unrest in the Northeastern state. On September 6, an RPG attack in Moirang, Bishnupur district, led to the death of an individual during a puja at the residence of Manipur’s first chief minister, Mairembam Koireng Singh. The situation further deteriorated on September 7 when long-range rockets, fired by militants, killed five people in Bishnupur. This attack followed the killing of a person in his sleep by militants, escalating tensions further.

In response to the violence, security measures have been heightened, including the deployment of a military helicopter for aerial surveillance and a combing operation. According to K Kabib, Inspector General of Police, Intelligence, the situation is currently under control. However, the violence has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands since last May.

The curfew was imposed following a day of intense student protests in Imphal Valley, demanding peace and the removal of the state's Director General of Police (DGP) and security advisor for their perceived failure to manage the situation. The protests turned violent in Thoubal on Monday, resulting in a police officer being injured.

In addition, schools in Manipur were ordered to remain closed on September 9 and 10 amid the escalating violence. This directive applies to all educational institutions, including government, private, and central schools.

Recent violence also saw six people killed in Jiribam district last week, following attacks by suspected insurgents on Nungchappi village. A rocket-propelled bomb assault in Moirang town and subsequent clashes in Thangbuh village, Kangpokpi district, have further compounded the crisis. On Monday night, women in Imphal staged a torchlight protest, marching through the streets and holding signs to demand an end to the violence.

Manipur has been on the boil since May last year. Over 200 people have been killed owing to the ethnic violence and thousands have been displaced.