19th Nov 2024 - Manipur
Jiribam erupted in unrest Sunday night after a 22-year-old man was fatally shot during a clash between protesters and a unit of special police commandos. The incident led to nearly 18 hours of mass protests, as crowds demanded the commanding officer responsible for the operation be handed over to them. The altercation stemmed from ongoing protests against the killing of six Meitei relief camp residents, reportedly by militants. According to witnesses, the demonstrators confronted a special commando team led by Senior Superintendent Nectar Sanjenbam, demanding justice for the deceased. The confrontation turned violent when, according to allegations, Nectar fired into the crowd to disperse it. Two individuals were struck by bullets. Khundrakpam Athouba Ningthouja, a college student, died at the scene, while another injured protester was transported to a hospital in Silchar, Assam, where his condition is stable.
The state’s BJP-led government responded by forming a two-member inquiry panel tasked with investigating the incident. The committee has 30 days to deliver its findings, including an assessment of whether the use of force was justified or involved foul play.
Manipur MLAs Demand Action Against Kuki Militants and Review of AFSPA
Amid escalating tensions in Manipur following the brutal killings of women and children in Jiribam, the state’s ruling alliance MLAs convened on Monday, November 18, 2024, to pass a resolution urging swift action. The legislators called on the central government to reconsider the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and to classify the Kuki militant groups allegedly involved in the killings as an “unlawful organisation” within a week. The resolution emerged during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, where demands were made for “mass operations” against those responsible for the November 11 abductions and killings in Jiribam. The incident, part of ongoing ethnic violence, has fuelled widespread unrest across the state.
Chief Minister’s Response
Sharing his commitment to justice, Chief Minister Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the violence. “Chaired a crucial meeting with ruling MLAs today where we strongly condemned the recent killing of innocents in Jiribam. Rest assured, justice will be ensured and firm action will be taken up against the perpetrators. Key decisions on AFSPA and strengthening law & order were also taken to ensure peace and stability in the State,” he posted.
NIA to Investigate Key Cases
The resolution also backed the earlier decision to hand over three major cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation. These include the killing of six Meitei women and children in Jiribam, the November 7 burning of a Hmar woman in the same district, and the November 9 murder of a Meitei woman farmer in Saiton, Bishnupur. The MLAs emphasised that if their demands were not acted upon within the specified timeframe, they would consult with the public to decide on further action. They also condemned the vandalism of legislators’ homes during recent protests, vowing to take legal action against those responsible.
AFSPA Reimposed in Parts of Manipur
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on November 14 reinstated AFSPA in six police station areas across five districts. These zones, declared as “disturbed areas,” include parts of Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, and Jiribam. The MHA cited ongoing ethnic clashes and intermittent violence, particularly in fringe areas such as Bishnupur-Churachandpur and Imphal East-Kangpokpi. It highlighted the active involvement of insurgent groups in acts of violence, which have kept the situation volatile despite security measures.
Protests and Escalation
Following the shooting, protesters besieged the Public Works Department (PWD) guesthouse where Nectar and his team were stationed. The crowd, which gathered around 11 PM Sunday, demanded Nectar be surrendered to them. The standoff lasted until 4:30 PM Monday, with reports suggesting Nectar had been quietly evacuated to a nearby camp under central force protection. Efforts to de-escalate the crisis included assurances from authorities and the announcement of an official inquiry. Two senior police officers will lead the probe, examining the circumstances of the firing and its broader implications. Protesters also issued demands, including financial compensation for the victims’ families, a government job for the family of the deceased, and legal action against the officer involved.
Ethnic Tensions and Political Reactions
The incident has amplified tensions in Manipur, a state already grappling with ethnic violence. While both Nectar and the deceased student are Meitei, the region has been a hotspot of conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. In Imphal, demonstrators gathered outside Nectar’s residence, though no violence was reported. Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh convened a meeting with ruling NDA legislators to discuss the escalating unrest. Among the resolutions was a demand for the Centre to reconsider expanding the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) coverage in the state. The state also sought intensified operations against Kuki militants allegedly responsible for the November 11 killings of six Meitei women and children at a relief camp. Protesters, meanwhile, have locked the Chief Electoral Office in Imphal and vandalised Congress and BJP offices in Jiribam, further highlighting the volatile atmosphere.
The Roots of the Crisis
The violence traces back to a November 11 attack on a police station and a CRPF post in Borobekra, Jiribam, reportedly carried out by suspected Kuki-Zo militants. Six Meitei relief camp residents were abducted during the assault. While security forces killed ten attackers, Kuki-Zo organisations have claimed those killed were village volunteers, not militants. Tragically, all six abducted Meitei individuals were later found dead. The last body was recovered on Monday from the River Barak in Assam’s Cachar district, which borders Jiribam.
Kuki-Zo Protest Plans
As tensions simmer, Kuki organizations have planned a “coffin rally” on Tuesday in Churachandpur to honor the 10 Kuki-Zo individuals killed during the November 11 clashes. According to a statement from groups including the Zomi Students’ Federation and Kuki Students’ Organisation, students from Class X onwards have been asked to attend the rally dressed in black shirts. Amid the turmoil, the state government has extended the suspension of internet services in seven districts for two more days to curb the spread of misinformation and unrest.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
