Mon Nov 18 08:23:33 UTC 2024: ## NIA Takes Over Manipur Violence Cases Amidst Political Upheaval
**Imphal, Manipur:** The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over three cases related to the ongoing violence in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced. These cases, stemming from incidents resulting in loss of life and widespread disruption of public order, were transferred from Manipur Police.
The NIA’s intervention follows recent violent protests, including a Saturday night attack where militants killed three women and three children in Jiribam district. This sparked outrage, leading to attacks on the residences of three ministers and six MLAs on November 16th, resulting in an indefinite curfew.
Adding to the turmoil, the National People’s Party (NPP) withdrew its support from the BJP-led Manipur government on Sunday, citing the government’s failure to restore peace. While the NPP’s seven MLAs do not impact the BJP’s majority, the move highlights growing political instability. The BJP retains a comfortable majority with the support of the NPF and JD(U).
The violence also targeted the residences of several MLAs, including a senior minister and other BJP and Congress MLAs, with mobs setting homes ablaze. Security forces prevented an attack on Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s residence. The NPP’s statement criticized the government’s handling of the crisis.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government’s response, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from Manipur while highlighting Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state. Kharge accused the government of inaction and neglecting the suffering people of Manipur.
First Piper 