Protests Erupt in Manipur Over AFSPA Re-Imposition and Escalating Violence

 Meitei organizations in Manipur organized demonstrations and rallies across the Imphal valley on Thursday, protesting against the re-imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in parts of the state. The protesters also demanded swift action against members of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar group, allegedly responsible for the recent killing of six civilians, including three women and three children, in Jiribam.

Protests Against AFSPA and Violence

The Centre re-imposed AFSPA in areas under six police stations in Manipur, including Jiribam, on November 14. With the new orders, AFSPA now applies to most of the state, barring regions under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations.

In response, Meitei organizations, including the Meira Paibis, held sit-ins and rallies against AFSPA. Demonstrators also condemned the deteriorating law and order situation, highlighting recent violent incidents.

Recent Incidents Fueling Tensions

1. Attack on Car Showroom:
   Employees of a car showroom in Imphal protested a gun attack by unknown assailants early Wednesday. Gunmen fired several rounds into the office, damaging at least one vehicle.

2. Rallies in Thoubal:
   A rally organized by groups such as the All Thoubal United Clubs Organisation covered nearly 2 kilometers, protesting the state’s worsening security situation.

3. Triggering Incident:
   Earlier this month, a Kuki tribal woman from Jiribam was allegedly raped and burnt alive by Meitei militants, sparking outrage. Her husband’s FIR also accused the attackers of destroying homes belonging to the Hmar tribal community.

   Subsequently, CRPF and police personnel shot dead 10 individuals from the same community, labeling them "militants." Kuki-Zo organizations contested this claim, asserting the victims were "village volunteers" and demanding an investigation.

4. Retaliatory Killings:
   
   
   Days later, six members of a Meitei family—three women and three children—were reported missing from the same area. Their bodies were later recovered from the Jiri River in Jiribam and the Barak River in neighboring Assam, sparking violent protests by Meitei groups.

   Escalating Violence and Government Response

   Protests soon turned violent as mobs attacked and looted properties, including the homes of over a dozen legislators and a minister. The situation forced the central government to deploy additional armed forces to restore order in the affected areas.

   To contain the unrest, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in several districts of the Imphal valley. However, to alleviate hardships, curfew restrictions were partially relaxed on Thursday for residents to purchase essential supplies.
   
   

   Curfew Relaxation Details

   • Imphal East and Thoubal: Curfew relaxed from 5 a.m. to 12 noon.
   • Imphal West and Bishnupur: Cur

   Earlier, district authorities had announced longer relaxation hours but revised the timings amid escalating tensions.