Mob vandalises homes of BJP leaders, tries to storm Biren Singh’s residence as Jiribam anger spills to capital Imphal

The situation in Manipur took a turn for the worse on Saturday as the ripples of violence in Jiribam district reached the capital Imphal.

A day after the bodies of a woman and two children – believed to be three among six Meitei people missing from Jiribam since Monday – were found floating on the Jiri river, indefinite curfew was imposed in Imphal West as massive protests broke out and homes of political leaders were targeted.

During the day, mobs attacked and set fire to vehicles and property, including the residences of several BJP leaders – Biren Singh’s son-in-law Rajkumar Imo Singh; Khurai MLA L Susidro, who is also a minister in the Biren Singh government; Uripok MLA Kh Raghumani Singh; Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor; and Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan Singh – as well as Independent MLA from Keishamthong Sapam Nishikanta, who is close to the BJP.

Late Saturday night, a mob also tried to storm Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s private residence in Imphal’s Heingang, though he was not present there at the time. The mob was pushed back by security forces, who used blank fire and tear gas shells. Burning tyres lined the highway leading to his residence.

Internet services were also suspended in seven districts, including both Imphal East and West, for two days. The affected areas include all five districts of the central Meitei majority valley, as well as in the Kuki-Zo majority districts of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.

At RK Imo’s residence in Sagolband in Imphal, a mob overpowered a security team stationed outside and broke down the gate before setting fire to furniture. Fire services doused the blaze before it could spread further. Officials said the MLA was not present when his residence was stormed. Within minutes, another mob entered the residence of Sapam Kunjakeswor, vandalising property and setting fire to vehicles.

The Indian Express also witnessed the vandalisation of the residences of Kh Raghumani Singh, Sapam Nishikanta and Kh Joykisan Singh. Around 7 pm, a mob stormed the home of Y Susindro and pelted stones, and in response, security forces guarding his home fired in the air.

“Politicians have failed the people and they are not fit to hold on to their chairs after failing to protect the lives of innocent civilians,” said a protester.

On Saturday night, arson also gripped Jiribam as angry mobs torched properties belonging to members of the Hmar community, including homes and at least one church.

The chaos in the capital follows several deaths on both sides of the ethnic divide in Jiribam. On Monday, a relief camp housing Meiteis at a police station had been targeted, allegedly by armed men, following which the CRPF gunned down 10 men from the Hmar community.

Eight members of the relief camp had gone missing after the attack – while the bodies of two elderly men were found shortly after, three women and three children remained missing. Then, on Friday, the body of a woman and two children were recovered, further exacerbating tensions.

On Saturday, the Centre too stepped in. In a statement, it said that the security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days: “Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order. All the security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace. Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities.”

The Centre also directed the state government to hand over all important cases to the National Investigation Agency.

Later in the day, the Manipur government, in a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requested the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations in the state.

Meanwhile, in the order snapping internet in seven districts, the Manipur government’s Home department wrote that “there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages, inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation”.

It said the decision was being taken “to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace”. The affected districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.

The curfew order, undersigned by the District Magistrate of Imphal West, states that “movement of any person outside their respective residences” will be restricted “until further orders”.