Tensions are rising again in Manipur.
Tensions are rising again in Manipur. Women in Ramle and Charao villages in eastern Imphal took to the streets to protest after six people from a rescue camp were abducted after a firefight between militants and security forces in Boro Bekera. The Manipur government has suspended internet in six districts in view of the tension. In the abduction incident, three bodies were found at the confluence of Jiri and Barak rivers on the Manipur-Assam border.
Officials suspect the three bodies recovered are those of six missing people from the Jiribam area. However, police are busy identifying the bodies and finding out whether the recovered bodies are those of the missing person or someone else. Civil society groups in the Imphal Valley claim that the bodies of six people who were kidnapped by militants as they retreated after an attack on the Boro Bekera police station was foiled by security forces have been recovered.
Protests took place in Imphal and Jiribam on Thursday
People lit candles in protests in Imphal and Jiribam on Thursday, demanding the immediate release of the missing persons. Protesters also criticized local politicians, including the Jilibam provincial councilor, and accused them of not taking early action to find the missing people.
Suspend internet to control anti-social elements
Meanwhile, state authorities declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Saturday as news of the recovery of three bodies spread across the Imphal Valley, raising tensions in all five districts. Now the state government has suspended the internet in six districts. The government said it had suspended the Internet in six regions to maintain peace and control some anti-social elements.
Ministry of Interior directs necessary measures to be taken
On the other hand, regarding the situation in Manipur, the Union Home Ministry on Saturday said that all security forces in the state have been directed to take necessary steps to restore peace. The statement also said that the security situation has remained severe in the past few days. During the conflict, armed thugs from both communities condoned violence, causing casualties and public disorder.
