Terrible unrest has spread across Manipur, with demonstrations and violence hitting the northeastern state like never before. Building tensions, sparked by recent protests led by the Meitei community, have resulted not only in chaos but also the tragic death of at least one protester. The clash occurred during the demonstrations against the backdrop of recurring ethnic strife, recalling years of volatile tensions within the region.
Just shy of its two-year mark, the unrest escalated dramatically after Meitei activists protested against the recent brutal killings of six individuals, which ignited public outrage and led to serious confrontations with law enforcement. On November 16, demonstrators mobilized, condemning the killings, as government properties were vandalized, businesses ceased normal operations, and panic gripped the urban areas including Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
The Indian government has responded urgently, dispatching 5,000 additional paramilitary troops to Manipur as officials grappled with what they termed as challenging security and law enforcement conditions. This surge will complement the earlier deployment of 20 additional troops aimed at curbing the intensified violence since demonstrations spiraled out of control. Official sources have confirmed the inclusion of multiple Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units, yet many fear this may not be enough to quell the unrest.
Within this chaotic scene, the Manipur government took the step of reimposing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) on Thursday across six police stations, including the areas direct hit by recent violence. The act has often faced criticism, but the government insists it is necessary to restore order. According to reports, the spokesman for the Meitei protesters, Khuraijam Athouba, demanded immediate decisive action against armed groups threatening their security, stating, "If they [MLA’s] do not take any decisive actions up to the satisfaction of the people of the state, then the government will bear the brunt of the people’s discontent and anger."
Real-time coverage of the situation paints grim portraits of emotionally charged protests across Manipur University, where effigies of state leaders were set ablaze, symbolizing growing discontent with government responses. Demonstrators displayed posters advocating lockdowns of government offices, sounding alarm bells about their demands not being met.
On the ground level, clashes have been violent, and law enforcement has faced accusations of excessive force. Reports indicate the police commandeered live ammunition to disperse protestors, resulting in the death of K. Athouba, 21, during such confrontations. A police spokesman managed to confirm the tragic event but added his department was still investigating who exactly fired the shot. Protesters assert the police were the instigators, alleging commandos were responsible for the fatal action.
The prevailing lawlessness has led the state government to halt educational services temporarily, implementing curfews across key districts and enforcing internet blackouts to prevent the spread of information and mobilization efforts among protestors. This information suppression tactic aims to curb potential violence but also raises eyebrows over its effectiveness.
Fearing escalation, local authorities are on alert. The unrest has deep historical roots and emerges from longstanding ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki populations, linked to land rights, tribal autonomy, and governmental representation. Many lawmakers, including Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, have come under attack as rioters targeted their residences, thereby amplifying the air of instability plaguing the political climate.
The grave security situation captured the attention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who conducted several high-level reviews with security forces and state officials, emphasizing the immediate need for restoring peace and order by strategizing troop deployment. His insistence on leveraging all measures reflects the serious concerns rattling Manipur’s political framework.
Despite the tumultuous situation within the state, the regional ethnic strife shows no signs of abatement. Amid these crises, organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have voiced concerns about the unsettling violence impacting innocent civilians, urging the government to take proactive measures to combat it effectively.
Accusations continue to swirl, as the Congress party demanded immediate action from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the effectiveness of the “double-engine government.” They called for legislation addressing the root causes of unrest instead of simply patching over symptoms through military deployments.
The situation remains deeply complex and marred by historical grievances, and many community leaders are now urging both the central and state governments to engage with local communities for Resolution. The severe measures to curtail unrest, like the reimposition of AFSPA and internet suspensions, reflect the authorities’ inability to alleviate underlying issues which are driving the violence and protests.
With residents, officials, and leaders all signaling urgent demands, the spotlight is now on the Indian government to devise effective strategies to restore calm and navigate through the crisis. Stakeholders from all walks of life are left questioning, how will the government chart the turbulent waters of Manipur's tumult?
While the political drama unravels, the voices of the victims are becoming increasingly clear, calling for justice and resolution beyond the harshness of forceful responses. What remains now is how well the government can respond to these growing claims, prevent future violence, and facilitate peace, steering clear from perpetual unrest and chaos.
