Tension Continues to Rock Manipur as Protesters Try to Storm CM’s Bungalow
Demand Resignation of Chief Minister and Home Minister
Guwahati: Amid an attempt to storm into the residence of Manipur chief minister Y Khemchand Singh demanding his resignation in Imphal, the situation in curfew-bond areas of the five valley districts remained tense but peaceful on Wednesday a day after fresh violence rocked the state.
However, security forces intervened and dispersed the crowd, which had gathered in violation of the prevailing curfew in the area. Security sources said that no major injuries were reported during the incident.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential Meitei civil society organization which led a protest march defying the curfew expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of the situation.
A senior member of the civil society group Shanta Nahakpam told reporters, “The actions taken so far have fallen far short of public expectations.”
Demanding a comprehensive review of all Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki groups, the CoCoMI leader highlighted serious concerns regarding the government’s response to the Tronglaobi incident. Authorities had informed the committee that three cadres of the United Kuki National Army (a Kuki armed group under the Suspension of Operations agreement) were arrested in a security operation. However, Mr Nahakpam questioned the lack of transparency, asking why the identities of the arrested individuals, the exact circumstances of the civilian attacks, and the specific charges filed against them have not been made public.
Even as the current administration continues its peace outreach efforts, the CoCoMI leaders regretted, “The people of Manipur have not been able to lead a normal life since the conflict began, and this has continued under both the previous and the present governments.”
The organisation also expressed concern over the official confirmation of the death of Wahengbam Bobby from Kumbi Terakhong, who had sustained bullet injuries in a firing incident involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Tuesday.
Citing administrative failure and lack of accountability, CoCoMI has strongly urged both the chief minister and the home minister Govindas Konthoujam to resign on moral grounds.
Meanwhile, security sources pointed out that Manipur chief minister Y Khemchand Singh chaired an all-party meeting to review the prevailing situation.
The representatives of political parties also expressed deep concern over the law and order situation and emphasised the need to maintain peace, unity, and communal harmony.
The chief minister also chaired a meeting of the unified command of security forces in which it was decided to take stern steps against all those found involved in rumour mongering. The civil society groups of the valley have threatened to intensify their agitation in the state.
