Violent Mob Targets Manipur Chief Minister’s Residence:
Thousands Attempt to Siege Manipur Chief Minister’s Residence, Additional Troops Mobilized to Ensure Order
The northeastern state of Manipur has witnessed over 150 fatalities since violent confrontations erupted in May between the primarily Hindu Meitei population and the predominantly Christian Kuki community.
Recent images of two missing Meitei students who were found murdered have incensed the Meitei populace. Despite stringent security measures and curfews in the state capital Imphal, residents rallied near Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s residence to voice their protest.
A senior official in the chief minister’s office informed AFP that “thousands of individuals” attempted to breach the residence but were deterred by police employing force.
The official, who spoke anonymously, could not confirm any casualties as firing was still ongoing.
The chief minister’s office had requested military reinforcements to manage the mob approaching from various directions.
Demonstrators also directed their actions toward the residence of the region’s representative in the upper house of parliament.
Electricity was intentionally disconnected in the area to limit visibility for the protesters, and according to NDTV, security forces discharged multiple rounds of tear gas.
The Manipur police stated that there was sufficient security in place.
N Biren Singh belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced criticism for his government’s inability to quell the unrest in the state.
Authorities implemented a curfew in Imphal earlier this week following incidents where numerous students sustained injuries in confrontations with security personnel.
Although a nearly five-month-long internet ban was recently lifted, it was reinstated on Tuesday.
Human Rights Watch has alleged that the Manipur government has contributed to the conflict by implementing “policies that promote Hindu majoritarianism,” according to the organization.
Also read: Delhi High Court Halts GFI Elections
