A protester was shot dead during a clash between security forces and a mob in Manipur’s violence-hit Jiribam district, officials confirmed on Monday. The deceased, identified as 21-year-old K Athouba, was killed during late-night firing on Sunday. While an investigation is underway to determine who fired the fatal shot, protesters alleged that a Manipur Police special commando was responsible.
Mob Attacks And Widespread Vandalism
The unrest began when an enraged mob targeted properties of political leaders and party offices, accusing militants of abducting and killing three women and three children on November 11. The attackers, composed of men and women, vandalized the offices of Congress, BJP, Shiv Sena, and the home of Jiribam’s Independent MLA.
Starting from Babupara, the mob unleashed further violence in areas under the Jiribam police station. This marks one of the most intense escalations of violence in recent weeks, though no significant incidents were reported from other districts overnight.
Government Response To Rising Tensions
In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Manipur government imposed an indefinite curfew in five districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Additionally, authorities suspended mobile internet and data services for two days in seven districts, including Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
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Educational institutions in the affected districts were also ordered to close on November 18 and 19 to ensure student and teacher safety.
Roots Of The Unrest: Abductions and Killings
The violence traces back to the November 11 abduction of 10 individuals, including women and children, during a militant attack in Jiribam district’s Borobekra subdivision. Six of the abductees three women and three children remained untraced until their bodies were discovered near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers on November 15 and 16.
The bodies, believed to be of the kidnapped Meitei victims, were sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam for post-mortem examinations.
Clashes With Militants
Manipur Police earlier reported a November 11 encounter in which 10 suspected Kuki militants were killed. However, militants also allegedly kidnapped Meitei community members from a relief camp during the same period.
Search operations after the abduction uncovered the bodies of two elderly civilians and led to the rescue of two others. Meitei organizations accused Kuki militants of brutally killing the women and children in captivity.
Political Fallout And Further Violence
The recovery of the six bodies has exacerbated tensions, leading to mob attacks on over two dozen homes and offices belonging to political leaders in Imphal East and West districts. Tire burning, road blockades, and arson marked the unrest, with security forces resorting to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
The situation remains volatile as the state grapples with its worst communal violence in recent history.
