Mob Tries To Storm Chief Minister's Home As Manipur Protests Escalate

Protesting against the death of six hostages from Jiribam, a mob tried to barge into the personal residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening, setting off another big escalation between security forces and the protesters in the violence-hit state.

The security forces had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

The protests come a day after bodies of six missing people, including an eight-month-old infant, were recovered from a Manipur river. The six family members were reported missing in the aftermath of violence on Monday when 10 armed Kuki men died in a gunfight with security forces.

Last week, a 31-year-old woman of the Hmar group within the Kuki tribal community was burned alive in the state's Jiribam district. 

A large mob, upset over lack of inaction and communication from government, had gathered and demanded to meet lawmakers in the state capital Imphal on Saturday.

Earlier today, protesters attacked the residences of at least three state ministers and six MLAs, prompting the government to impose prohibitory orders in five districts for an indefinite period and suspended internet services in parts of the state.

The Manipur government has requested the Centre to review and withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA, a controversial law which gives unbridled power to the armed forces, which was reimposed in six police station limits.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had on November 14 reimposed AFSPA in areas falling under Sekmai PS and Lamsang PS in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East, Moirang in Bishnupur, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Jiribam in Jiribam district.

At least 250 people have died and 60,000 been uprooted in Manipur since May last year in inter-communal clashes over government grants and quotas in jobs and education.

The Centre has sent extra security forces and promised firm action against violent members of both communities. 

Manipur has become divided into two ethnic enclaves: a valley controlled by the Meiteis and hills dominated by the Kukis.