Clashes and Curfew: What is happening in India’s Manipur?

GUWAHATI: A fresh round of violence in Manipur has led to the deaths of at least five people following intense gun battles between rival groups in the Jiribam district, which borders Assam. The deceased are reported to be from both communities involved in the conflict. Several others have been injured, and there are concerns that casualty figures may rise.

The main issue in Manipur is the escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This conflict, which has been ongoing since May of the previous year, has led to numerous casualties and widespread destruction.

The security situation in Manipur is critically strained, with over 60,000 security personnel, including central armed police forces, state police, Assam Rifles, and the Army, deployed to manage the escalating violence. Despite this heavy deployment, recent drone and rocket attacks have continued to destabilize the region. In response to the heightened threat, the state government has imposed a curfew in Imphal Valley and surrounding areas, including the closure of all schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Security forces are on high alert, conducting aerial patrolling and maintaining a close watch on movement to mitigate further violence and manage the ongoing unrest.

In the Bishnupur and Imphal East districts, residents responded to multiple drone sightings by turning off lights on Friday night, according to PTI. The region has been shaken by recent incidents involving drones dropping bombs, resulting in significant damage and injuries.

Security forces have been maintaining a high alert in the peripheral areas, with illumination rounds fired into the sky in Bishnupur district, causing confusion among locals. It remains unclear whether these rounds were fired by security forces or other parties.

Earlier in the day, suspected militants launched rocket attacks on the residence of Manipur’s first chief minister, Mairembam Koireng, resulting in one fatality and six injuries. The deceased, 70-year-old RK Rabei, was preparing for a religious ceremony when struck by debris from a rocket that landed on the roof of the house.

Following this, security forces destroyed three bunkers in Churachandpur district. The rockets used by militants caused significant damage and civilian casualties, with the most recent attacks involving rockets fired from elevated positions towards residential areas in Tronglaobi.

The first use of drones as a weapon in the region was reported on September 1 in Koutruk village, and subsequent attacks in nearby areas have exacerbated the crisis. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) has declared a “public emergency” and demanded the indefinite closure of schools and colleges until the situation improves.

The violence primarily involves clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with criticisms directed at the state government for its handling of the situation. The conflict, ongoing since May of the previous year, has resulted in significant loss of life and escalating demands for independence from India by some local groups.

The situation has drawn international attention, raising questions about the Indian government’s approach to resolving the crisis in Manipur.