Manipur burns, NDA ally withdraws support, police recover looted arms
Ethnic clashes have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in the deaths of over 160 people. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
As the violence in the state continues, Manipur witnessed an important move with the Kuki People's Alliance (KPA), a key member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), withdrawing its support from the state's government on Sunday (August 6).
The decision comes amid mounting criticism of the N Biren Singh government's handling of escalating violence in the state, which has claimed over 160 lives.
The state also saw fresh violence in the last three days, which led to the death of at least three more people, and several houses being torched.
The administration has eased the curfew in West Imphal today (August 7) so the residents can get the essentials.
NDA ally's withdrawal of support
In a letter to Governor Anusuiya Uikey, KPA president Tongmang Haokip informed about the party's decision to snap ties with the government in the state.
"After careful consideration of the current conflagration, the continued support for the incumbent government of Manipur led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh is no longer fructuous. Accordingly, the support of the KPA to the Government of Manipur is hereby withdrawn and can be considered null and void," Haokip said in the letter.
In the 60-member House, the KPA has two MLAs - Kimneo Haokip Hangshing from Saikul and Chinlunthang from Singhat.
The development will have no impact on the stability of the government, as the BJP has 37 members in the Manipur Assembly. The NPP has seven MLAs, and the NPS has five. The Congress has five legislators.
Ease in curfew
In response to the difficulties faced by the public, the District Magistrate of Imphal West temporarily eased the curfew. This move was taken so that residents can buy essential items such as food and medicines.
The curfew was lifted at 5 am and will resume again at 12 pm in all areas of the district.
Since July 3, 2023, the office of the DM had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, restricting the movement of any person outside their respective residences until further notice.
Fresh violence erupts
Three persons, including a father-son duo, were killed by militants in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Friday night, while another three sustained bullet wounds following heavy exchange of fire between state forces and armed men in the same district.
The three were gunned down while they were sleeping, and their bodies were later slashed with swords at Kwakta in the district by unidentified men, police said on Saturday morning, adding that the assailants came from Churachandpur, reported PTI.
Fifteen houses were set on fire in Manipur's Imphal West district where fresh violence broke out, officials said on Sunday. The incident happened on Saturday evening at Langol Games village as a mob went on a rampage, they said.
Looted arms recovered
The Manipur Police said it has so far recovered 1,195 looted arms from different parts of the state.
In a statement, it said 1,057 arms were recovered from the valley districts, and 138 arms from the hill districts. Besides, thousands of ammunition were also recovered, mostly from the valley districts.
With more than three months into the ethnic conflict, numerous arms and ammunition have been looted from armories in both the hills and valley districts of the violence-hit state of Manipur. The looting in the hill districts was carried out by Kuki militants, while arms were snatched in the valley districts by civilians and villagers, reported India Today NE.
5 cops suspended over May 4 Manipur incident
Manipur Police has suspended five police personnel, including the station in-charge of the area where the incident of two women being stripped and paraded by a mob had taken place on May 4, officials said on Sunday.
The mob also allegedly gang-raped one of the women - a 19-year-old, and her brother was killed when he tried to intervene.
The officials said immediately after the video of the incident surfaced on July 19, Manipur police decided to suspend the station in-charge of Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district and four other police personnel, reported PTI.
What is going on in Manipur?
Ethnic clashes have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in the deaths of over 160 people and the displacement of thousands more.
The clashes were sparked by a Tribal Solidarity March held in the state's hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meitei is the majority community in Manipur, while the Kukis are a tribal group that makes up about 40% of the state's population.
The violence has been particularly intense in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Senapati. Houses have been burnt down, people have been killed, and there have been reports of widespread looting and arson.
The Indian government has deployed thousands of security forces to try to restore order, but the violence has continued. The government has also imposed a curfew in some areas and suspended internet services.