Imphal: The turmoil in Manipur continues unabated, with the deployment of an additional 11,000 security forces announced to control escalating violence. Chief Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh confirmed that 90 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will bolster the existing 288 companies already stationed in the state. These reinforcements aim to quell unrest after a series of violent attacks on political leaders and civilians.
On November 16, coordinated attacks targeted the homes of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, state ministers, and 17 MLAs. Manipur Minister L. Susindro’s residence was among those severely damaged. In response, Susindro fortified his house in Imphal East with barbed wire and iron netting, citing his constitutional right to protect his property. “This is the third time since May that my property has been attacked,” said Susindro. Despite the attacks, he instructed security forces to avoid harming the mob, who opened fire and vandalized his residence.
Amid the attacks, valuables worth crores were looted. JDU MLA K. Joykishan Singh reported the theft of jewelry worth ₹1.5 crore and ₹18 lakh in cash from his residence. Relief materials meant for displaced persons, including electronics, gas cylinders, and documents, were also destroyed.
The violence has exacerbated political tensions. The National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the BJP-led coalition, withdrew support, demanding the removal of CM Biren Singh. NPP national vice president Yumnam Joykumar Singh criticized Singh’s inability to restore peace, further straining the fragile political alliance. Despite this, the BJP retains a majority in the 60-member House, with 32 MLAs.
The state government has temporarily relaxed curfews in four districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Bishnupur—to allow citizens to purchase essentials. However, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was re-imposed in six areas, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The violence traces back to November 11, when security forces killed 10 Kuki militants in Jiribam. In retaliation, militants kidnapped six Meitei civilians, including women and children. Bodies of five victims were recovered by November 16, with the sixth found on November 18. Concurrently, violent clashes erupted across the state, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage.
The ongoing violence stems from longstanding ethnic tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, opposed by the Kuki-Naga communities, triggered the unrest in May 2023. Over 560 days of violence have left Manipur divided, with Kukis dominating the hill districts and Meiteis confined to the plains. The conflict has resulted in over 200 deaths, 1,500 injuries, and the displacement of 60,000 individuals.
