BY PC Bureau

Amid the resurgence of violence in Manipur, citizens are increasingly resorting to peaceful protests to express their frustration over the authorities’ perceived failure to manage the ongoing unrest in the northeastern state.

A day after the hill areas of Manipur observed a complete shutdown to mourn the deaths of 10 suspected Kuki militants killed by security forces in Jiribam on Monday, large parts of Manipur were once again deserted on Wednesday morning. This followed the announcement of a 24-hour bandh by 13 civil organizations on Tuesday at 6 PM, protesting the escalating violence that has gripped the state since November 8.

The shutdown was enforced in response to the government’s inaction in curbing the growing violence. Key commercial hubs like Khwairamband Market, the largest in the state, were closed from the early morning, with bandh supporters ensuring the shutdown was observed throughout the market and surrounding areas. Schools, colleges, and other institutions remained closed, and public transportation was absent in Imphal.

By 9 AM, however, no bandh supporters were seen on the streets of Imphal. Shanta Nahakpam, spokesperson for the 13 civil organizations, questioned the state government’s failure to take action in response to the violence, particularly following the fatality of a civilian in Sanasabi, Imphal East, on Monday. Despite the gravity of the incident, involving multiple pellet injuries, and a blockade on the Imphal-Jessami road by Tangkhul civil society groups, the government had yet to take significant steps, Nahakpam noted.

Earlier in the week, the hill areas of Manipur had observed a total shutdown on Tuesday. Organized by the Kuki-Zo Council, the 13-hour shutdown began at 5 AM to mourn the deaths of the 10 suspected militants in Jiribam. The police report stated that a gunfight on Monday had resulted in the militants’ deaths after insurgents in camouflage, armed with sophisticated weapons, attacked the Borobekra police station and a nearby CRPF camp. However, a senior government official suggested the death toll may have been 11.

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The shutdown was largely peaceful in the Kuki-dominated hill region, with most schools, colleges, shops, and government offices remaining closed, and public transport suspended. Several Kuki-Zo organizations have condemned the actions of the central forces and called for an investigation into the Jiribam incident. The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) issued a directive for CRPF personnel to stay confined to their camps, warning of the risks if this was violated. KSO also called for a “non-cooperation” movement against the CRPF until an apology was issued for their role in the incident.

The Zomi Students’ Federation demanded a court-monitored investigation, referring to the incident as a “fake encounter,” and called for the transfer of Meitei personnel and CRPF officers to other states. Similarly, the Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) called for a CBI inquiry and the withdrawal of CRPF and state police forces from Kuki-Zo areas. They advocated for the deployment of neutral peacekeeping forces to ensure safety and prevent further violence.

In their statement, the HSA also appealed to the Union government and international human rights organizations to take note of what they deemed targeted actions against the Hmar community, stressing the need for justice and an end to divisive violence.

The Kuki-Zo groups identified the individuals killed in the gunfight as “village volunteers” from the Hmar community, claiming they were not militants. However, police recovered sophisticated firearms from the scene and characterized those killed as “armed militants” or “miscreants.” The attack also left six individuals missing, with police operations ongoing to locate them.

Since May 2023, ethnic clashes between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills have resulted in over 200 deaths and the displacement of thousands. Jiribam, a region previously unaffected by the violence, has seen tensions rise, particularly after the discovery of a mutilated farmer’s body in June.