Sat Nov 16 13:17:53 UTC 2024: ## Manipur Protests Erupt After Six Hostages Found Dead
**Imphal, Manipur –** Angry protests erupted in Imphal, Manipur, on Saturday following the discovery of six bodies – three women and three children – who had been held hostage for five days. The victims, members of the Meitei community, were abducted from Jiribam district near the Assam border by suspected Kuki insurgents.
The ensuing outrage led to mob attacks on the homes of at least two ministers and three MLAs, prompting authorities to take swift action. Imphal West district is now under indefinite prohibitory orders, and internet and mobile data services have been suspended for two days across seven districts, including Imphal West, East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.
Among the targeted officials were Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan and BJP MLA RK Imo, son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Protesters also targeted the office of an independent MLA, Sapam Nishikanta Singh, after failing to reach him. The demonstrations were marked by slogans demanding justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings.
The killings are the latest in a series of violent incidents stemming from the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began over a year ago. State government sources indicated the hostages were seized while another group of insurgents clashed with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The discovery of the bodies has further inflamed tensions and fueled the ongoing unrest in the northeastern state.
First Piper 