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The ongoing unrest in Manipur continues to escalate, marked by a further extension of the internet shutdown and widespread protests. The Manipur government announced a two-day extension of the suspension of mobile internet and data services in seven districts, citing the volatile law and order situation. This decision follows days of intense protests and violence triggered by the recovery of six bodies in Jiribam district and the subsequent killing of a youth, K. Athouba, during police action. The extension, effective from 5:15 PM on Monday to 5:15 PM on Wednesday, excludes Jiribam district itself, a curious omission given its role as the initial catalyst for the unrest. The seven affected districts encompass both valley and hill regions, highlighting the breadth of the crisis.
The immediate trigger for the renewed intensity of the protests appears to be the death of Athouba. While police confirm his death in police firing, they are investigating who fired the fatal shot. However, protesters allege that Manipur Police special commandos opened fire to disperse a mob, resulting in Athouba's death and injuries to two others. The mob, according to police, was engaged in attacking and vandalizing the properties of various leaders and political party offices. This incident underscores the deeply polarized atmosphere and the potential for further escalation of violence. The unrest is not confined to isolated incidents; it reveals a deeper underlying conflict.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the involvement of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei community organization. COCOMI members have engaged in protest actions, posting lockdown notices on government offices, including those of the Chief Electoral Officer, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, and the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development. Their actions signal a deliberate effort to exert pressure on the government and demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the handling of the crisis. Furthermore, COCOMI issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the central and state governments, demanding decisive action against armed groups. Their spokesperson, Khuraijam Athouba, urged all 50 MLAs (excluding 10 tribal legislators) to collaborate and address the ethnic crisis decisively, warning of further public anger if their demands remain unmet.
The situation is further complicated by the indefinite curfew imposed on five of the seven districts under internet shutdown. This restrictive measure, while intended to contain the violence, raises concerns about freedom of movement and potential impacts on essential services. The imposition of the curfew alongside the internet suspension is a heavy-handed approach to managing a multifaceted crisis that demands a more nuanced and inclusive response. The actions of both the government and protest groups indicate a lack of trust and a widening chasm in communication and understanding. The government's response, seemingly reactive rather than proactive, adds to the sense of crisis.
The students of Manipur University, through their protests and effigy burning of the Governor and Chief Minister, demonstrate the widespread nature of discontent. Their actions symbolize the frustration and anger felt across various segments of society. The incident at Jiribam, the subsequent deaths, and the government's response have all contributed to a potent mix of anger, grief, and frustration, fueling the protests. The involvement of students, alongside COCOMI and other community groups, highlights the depth and breadth of the crisis, requiring a multi-pronged approach to address its root causes.
The ongoing unrest in Manipur highlights the fragility of peace and the deep-seated tensions within the state. The internet shutdown, while potentially intended to curb the spread of misinformation and contain the violence, can also hinder communication and obstruct vital information sharing. The government faces a difficult balancing act: containing the violence while also addressing the underlying grievances and fostering dialogue among conflicting groups. Failure to address the root causes of the conflict – including ethnic tensions and the role of armed groups – risks prolonged instability and further escalation. The future stability of Manipur requires effective communication, meaningful dialogue, and concrete steps to address the grievances of all involved.
Source: Internet Shutdown Extended For 2 Days In Manipur Amid Protests Over Jiribam Violence