Tue Nov 19 08:28:23 UTC 2024: ## Manipur Crisis Deepens: Violence Escalates, Chief Minister Faces Growing Pressure

**Imphal/Guwahati:** Manipur continues to grapple with escalating ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities, prompting a major security response and political upheaval. The recent killing of six civilians, including women and children, in Jiribam earlier this month has reignited the conflict, forcing the central government to deploy additional troops.

Neighboring Assam has sealed its border with Manipur, fearing the violence could spill over. Assam Police have deployed commandos, citing intelligence about potential infiltration by “bad elements.”

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whose BJP government is under intense pressure, is facing calls for his resignation. The National People’s Party (NPP), a key NDA ally, has withdrawn its support from the BJP government, citing its failure to restore peace. The NPP has indicated it may reconsider its stance if there’s a leadership change.

A meeting of NDA legislators, called by the Chief Minister, saw the notable absence of 11 out of 38 MLAs. The meeting resulted in resolutions including a request for the central government to review the reinstatement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a mass operation against Kuki militants implicated in the Jiribam killings within seven days, and the transfer of three key murder cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The legislators also agreed to declare those responsible for the Jiribam killings as members of an unlawful organization.

However, these measures have failed to satisfy civil society groups. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing Meitei organizations, criticized the resolutions as insufficient, demanding action against all Kuki insurgent groups, including those under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement that lapsed in February. COCOMI has threatened to shut down government offices if their demands aren’t met within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, in Kuki-dominated hill areas, a coffin rally was held to protest the recent killing of ten suspected militants by security forces in Jiribam. The Kuki community claims the victims were village volunteers, a claim denied by security forces. The Zomi Mothers Association has urged the central government to intervene urgently. The situation remains highly volatile, with the future of the Manipur government and the peace process hanging in the balance.

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