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The ongoing unrest in Manipur continues to escalate, marked by a two-day extension of the internet shutdown across seven districts. This decision, announced by the Manipur government on Monday, reflects the severity of the situation following recent violence in Jiribam and the subsequent protests in Imphal. The suspension of mobile internet and data services, initially implemented on Saturday, now extends until Wednesday evening. Notably, Jiribam district, the epicenter of the initial violence, remains excluded from this internet blackout.
The catalyst for the escalating unrest appears to be the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam on November 15th and 16th. This sparked widespread violence and attacks by angry mobs in several valley districts, including Imphal East and Imphal West. The resulting chaos prompted the initial internet shutdown as a measure to curb the spread of misinformation and potentially incite further violence. Adding fuel to the fire, the death of a 21-year-old youth, K. Athouba, during a police operation in Jiribam on Sunday night, ignited further protests. While police claim the death occurred during an attempt to disperse a mob attacking properties and political offices, protesters allege the youth was killed by Manipur Police special commandos, and two others were injured. The investigation into who fired the fatal shot is ongoing.
The protests have taken on a more organized form, with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei community group, actively participating. COCOMI members were observed placing lockdown posters on government offices, including those of the Chief Electoral Officer, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, and the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development. This demonstrates a deliberate attempt to exert pressure on the government and to amplify their demands for decisive action. COCOMI issued a 24-hour ultimatum to both the central and state governments, demanding action against armed groups responsible for the violence and urging them to address the underlying ethnic crisis. Failure to meet these demands, COCOMI warned, would result in further public anger and potential escalation of the unrest.
The Manipur University students also staged a large-scale protest, burning effigies of the Governor and Chief Minister in response to the death of K. Athouba. This underscores the widespread discontent and anger felt across various segments of the population. The indefinite curfew imposed on five districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching – further highlights the government's struggle to contain the escalating crisis. The imposition of curfews and internet shutdowns, while intended to prevent further violence and maintain order, also raises concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and potential impacts on daily life for ordinary citizens. The situation remains extremely volatile, and the extension of the internet shutdown suggests the authorities are anticipating further potential unrest and are taking precautionary measures.
The incident underscores a complex and deeply rooted ethnic conflict. The interplay between various armed groups, community tensions, and the response of law enforcement agencies all contribute to the ongoing instability. The demands of COCOMI for decisive action against armed groups points to the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the violence and to find a lasting solution to the ethnic crisis. The lack of concrete action in response to past events may have exacerbated the current situation, and the failure to effectively address these root causes could lead to further cycles of violence and instability. The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of events and the effectiveness of government responses in de-escalating the situation and establishing lasting peace.
Source: Internet Shutdown Extended For 2 Days In Manipur Amid Protests Over Jiribam Violence