Violence Escalates In Manipur; Curfew Imposed, Educational Institutions Closed

In response to escalating violence in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts, the Government of Manipur has imposed a curfew and ordered the closure of educational institutions, including state universities, until Tuesday, 19 November.

This decision, which affects government-run and aided colleges under the Higher & Technical Education Department, made in consultation with the state’s Home Department to ensure the safety of students and staff amid ongoing unrest.

Order from Secretariat Higher and Technical Education Department stated, “In view of the curfew imposed by District Magistrate in many of the Districts and considering the safety of the students and teacher, it is hereby ordered that all the Government Institutions/Government Aided Colleges under Higher & Technical Education Department, Government of Manipur including State Universities in the Districts where curfew has been imposed shall remain closed for 2(two) days w.e.f 18 November to 19 November.”

As the situation continues to worsen, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now taken over the investigation of three critical cases linked to the violence that erupted in the first two weeks of November.

NIA Joins Investigation After MHA Directive On Manipur Violence

The NIA’s involvement follows a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which sought a federal response after the violence, which has included targeted attacks, the loss of civilian lives, and significant social unrest.

The first case, registered on 8 November 2024, pertains to the murder of a woman in Jiribam by armed militants.

A second case, filed on 11 November, involves an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post in Jiribam’s Jakuradhor Karong area, carried out by militant groups.

The third case, also from 11 November, addresses the burning of houses and the killing of civilians in Borobekra.

Meanwhile, violence intensified once again on Sunday, leading to the imposition of curfew in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts.

Authorities declared the curfew after discovering six dead bodies, heightening fears among local residents.

In addition to the curfew, the state government has suspended internet services across seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb the unrest.

Authorities have increased security, especially around the residence of Chief Minister Biren Singh and the Raj Bhavan, with limited vehicle movement observed in the affected areas.

As the government grapples with the escalating crisis, the closure of educational institutions highlights the ongoing safety concerns for both students and faculty, while the intervention of the NIA signals the gravity of the situation in the violence-stricken state.

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