Manipur Unrest: Meitei Group Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum After Attack on CM Biren Singh’s Residence

Manipur witnessed fresh turmoil as civil society groups, led by the Meitei community, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government following an attack on Chief Minister N Biren Singh's residence. The protests erupted after six missing bodies, including those of an infant and two women, were discovered in Jiribam district, sparking widespread outrage.

The bodies were recovered from the Barak River and are believed to be linked to violent clashes earlier in the week, during which 10 armed Kuki militants were killed in an encounter with security forces. The tragedy has deepened the divide between the Meitei community and Kuki groups, intensifying demands for decisive government action.

COCOMI Demands Action Against Militants

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil rights organization, called for a military crackdown on militant groups operating in the state. COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba urged state and central governments to act immediately, warning of severe public backlash if their demands were not met.

“We demand decisive military action and the repeal of AFSPA. The lack of action has led to this widespread discontent, and the government must act to restore peace,” said Athouba.

Attacks on Ministers and MLAs

As tensions escalated, protesters targeted the homes of state ministers and MLAs, including Chief Minister Singh’s son-in-law and BJP MLA RK Imo Singh, whose residence was vandalized and set ablaze. Other affected leaders included Municipal Administration Minister Y Khemchand, Consumer Affairs Minister L Susindro Singh, and Health Minister Sapam Ranjan.

Health Minister Ranjan met with protest leaders, assuring them he would raise their demands at a cabinet meeting and even resign if the government failed to act decisively.

Curfews and Internet Suspension

In response to the violence, curfews were imposed in five districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. Internet and mobile data services were suspended in seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and further unrest.

Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi justified the suspension, citing concerns over escalating violence fueled by online rumors.

Historical and Ongoing Clashes

The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have deep historical roots. While Meiteis, predominantly Hindus, are seeking Scheduled Tribe status, the Kukis, who have ethnic ties to Myanmar’s Chin State and Mizoram, are demanding a separate administration.

The conflict has claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people. The imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who argue that the law exacerbates tensions rather than resolving them.

As Manipur teeters on the brink, the next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether the state government can quell the unrest and address the grievances of its citizens.