Sun Nov 17 07:40:11 UTC 2024: **Imphal Rocked by Violent Protests After Discovery of Six Bodies**
IMPHAL, Manipur — November 17, 2024 — Widespread violence erupted in Imphal Valley on Saturday, November 16, following the discovery of six bodies—three women and three children—in Jiribam district, allegedly killed by militants. Angry mobs attacked and set fire to the homes of at least seven MLAs, including a senior minister, and attempted to storm the ancestral home of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The residences of PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam, BJP MLAs Y. Radheshyam and Paonam Brojen, and Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar were targeted, with some partially destroyed by fire. While the legislators and their families were unharmed, their properties suffered significant damage. Security forces, including the Assam Rifles and BSF, used tear gas and rubber bullets to repel protesters attempting to reach Chief Minister Singh’s home, preventing further damage.
The unrest prompted authorities to impose an indefinite curfew across five districts of Imphal Valley and temporarily suspend internet services in seven districts. The violence continued into the night, with further incidents of arson reported, including the burning of at least two churches and three houses in Jiribam.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) demanded immediate military action against the militants. While the situation appeared calmer on Sunday morning, a heavy security presence remains in Imphal, with security forces patrolling the streets and guarding the residences of targeted legislators. The cause of the violence is linked to the discovery of the bodies and ongoing tensions between communities in the region. The bodies of ten Kuki-Zo youths killed in a separate incident were also airlifted on Saturday. Investigations into the events are ongoing.
First Piper 