Murders most foul

The Jiribam killings mark a disturbing escalation in the ethnic conflict, triggering widespread protests against both state and Central governments

- JAVED PARVESH

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is facing growing pressure to resign following the horrific killing of three children and an equal number of women from a single family in Jiribam, a district bordering Assam. Calls for his resignation have come from a section of BJP MLAs, opposition parties, National Democratic Alliance member National People's Party (NPP) and human rights icon Irom Sharmila. Civil society organisations, highly influential in Manipur's political landscape, have launched widespread agitations to demand justice and accountability. Public outrage has escalated, with angry protesters targeting the residences of ministers and MLAs, and even attempting to storm the chief minister's private residence.