Curfew, internet ban cripple strife-torn Manipur
Security forces have restricted public vehicular movements, particularly in key areas of Imphal, including high-security zones around the Chief Minister’s Bungalow and Raj Bhawan, in an effort to contain the growing tension.
Manipur has been plunged into further unrest as the state government imposed an indefinite curfew on Saturday afternoon in response to escalating violence across the valley districts, reports 'Imphal Free Press'.
The curfew, along with an internet shutdown that began in seven districts and was extended to two more on Sunday for two days, has severely disrupted daily life, with widespread restrictions on public and vehicular movement. The curfew and internet restrictions come after protests erupted in multiple locations, with residents rallying against the alleged atrocities committed by suspected Kuki militants.
Amid the curfew, protests erupted in different points and junctions in the valley district, where irate mobs in the afternoon stormed the residence of Mayang-Imphal AC MLA Kongkham Robindro.
This followed a day of heightened tensions, where protests spread across various localities of Imphal and mobs stormed residences of various minister and MLA’s residences including the chief minister’s residence at Luwangsangbam in Imphal East. In a bid to disperse the crowds, security forces resorted to tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in at least eight injuries.
NPP pulls out of Manipur govt alleging failure to restore normalcy in state
In a letter to BJP president JP Nadda, NPP chief and Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.
“We strongly feel that the Manipur State Government, under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh, has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy," he stated.
Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People’s Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh-led government in the state of Manipur, with immediate effect,” the letter said.
The NPP has seven MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
The MLAs include Sheikh Noorul Hassan (Kshetrigao AC), Khuraijam Loken Singh (Wangoi AC), Irengbam Nalini Devi (Oinam AC), Thongam Shanti Singh (Moirang AC), Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh (Kakching AC), N. Kayisii (Tadubi AC), and Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong AC).
There is no immediate number threats for the Biren ministry because in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections, the BJP secured 32 seats and the NPP won 7 seats, while other parties, including Congress (5), won 21 seats.
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