Sun Nov 17 19:55:45 UTC 2024: ## Manipur Crisis Deepens as NPP Withdraws Support, Violence Continues

**Imphal, Manipur –** The crisis in Manipur escalated sharply over the weekend, with the National People’s Party (NPP) withdrawing its support from the BJP-led state government, citing the government’s failure to control the escalating violence between Meitei and Kuki communities. This follows two days of unrest, including attacks on the homes of three state ministers, including Chief Minister Biren Singh.

The NPP’s withdrawal leaves the BJP government’s majority precarious, though it still holds a simple majority in the 60-member assembly. NPP leader Yumnam Joykumar Singh stated that the deteriorating law and order situation, including recent attacks on police and CRPF camps and the murder of six people, including three children, prompted the party’s decision.

The violence, which began in May 2023, reignited on Saturday with widespread protests and attacks on government officials’ residences. On Sunday, police arrested 23 individuals involved in the attacks. A curfew remains in effect in Imphal, and internet services have been suspended in seven districts. The Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, BSF, and ITBP held a security coordination meeting to address the escalating tensions, focusing on the volatile border regions of Kakching, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur districts.

The ongoing crisis has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur amidst the crisis, while Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra offered to resign along with other Congress MLAs if it would help restore peace. The Indian Youth Congress staged a candlelight march protesting the violence, although they were stopped by police. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah cut short his election campaign in Maharashtra and returned to Delhi for urgent meetings. The CRPF’s Director General is also scheduled to visit the state. The situation, while relatively calmer on Sunday, remains tense and unpredictable.

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