Curfew reimposed in Imphal valley, no internet in 7 distts

Authorities in Manipur reimposed a curfew in the Imphal valley and suspended internet in at least seven districts on Saturday amid simmering tensions over the abduction of six members of a Meitei family and the subsequent recovery of three unidentified bodies, even as the state government urged the Centre to withdraw the recent reimposition of AFSPA in parts of Manipur.

- Thomas Ngangom

The protesters stormed the residence of two state ministers Sapam Ranjan Lamphel Sana-keithel (BJP) and L Susindro Singh (BJP)—and five MLAs—S Kunjakesor (BJP), RK Imo (BJP), K Raghumani (BJP), Sapam Nishikant (Independent) and Kh Kh. Joykisan [Janata Dal (United)]—set fire to shops, torched vehicles and blocked prominent roads amid the fresh wave of violence to besiege the state, people aware of the matter said. There were also reports that chief minister N Biren Singh's personal residence was stormed late on Saturday night.

Amid the volatile ground situation, Imphal West district magistrate Th Kirankumar and Imphal East district magistrate Khuman-them Diana announced the clampdown of a curfew in the two areas of Imphal East and Imphal West, days after it was lifted in separate but identical orders.

“Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4.30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4.30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders,” the order said.