Following drone attacks and rocket bombs in Manipur, which resulted in civilian casualties, the state is now witnessing widespread protests. The student community across Imphal has taken to the streets, with the protests turning violent. Thousands participated in a massive torch rally in the state capital.
In response to the escalating violence, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, along with several ruling party MLAs, has pushed for the state government to take control of security operations. Ethnic strife has plagued the region for over 16 months. During two meetings on Saturday, 27 MLAs urged the Chief Minister to either take charge of the unified command or press the central government to intervene and stop the violence.
Key points for text box:
1. Violence erupts in Manipur after drone attacks and rocket bombs kill civilians.
2. Protests turn violent as students take to the streets across Imphal.
3. Thousands join a massive torch rally in the state capital.
4. Manipur CM N Biren Singh and ruling party MLAs push for state control of security forces.
5. Ethnic strife has ravaged the region for over 16 months.
6. 27 MLAs urge CM to take charge of the unified command or press the Centre to act.
On Monday, students from various schools, colleges, and universities in Imphal rallied toward the Raj Bhavan, demanding the resignation of the Director General of Police, Security Advisor, and Governor. They cited the worsening violence in the state since last year. The students also called for the withdrawal of paramilitary forces and the resignation of 50 MLAs on moral grounds. Carrying banners and posters, they walked to the Raj Bhavan, expressing concerns about safety and accusing the Kukis of possessing missiles capable of reaching 20 km.
The General Secretary of the Dhanamanjuri University Student Union said, “There is no difference between living in a cage and living in the Imphal Valley. We demand that the central government and the Governor give the unified command to our Chief Minister to regulate the Assam Rifles and central forces.” The student union also demanded the resignation of the Governor, the Security Advisor, and the DGP, emphasizing that Assam Rifles had been accused of misconduct since the violence began. The protest included a sit-in and the chanting of slogans.
Security in the area was heightened, with personnel carrying riot shields and control vehicles on standby.
On Sunday, Chief Minister N Biren Singh offered an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakhs to the family of a civilian killed in the Koutruk violence. In a post on X, he expressed the government’s solidarity with the grieving family, recognizing that financial assistance could not fully compensate for the loss of life but was a gesture of support during difficult times.
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On Monday, student representatives from various schools met with the Chief Minister to voice concerns over how the recent violence was affecting their studies. In response, the Chief Minister assured them that their concerns were being heard, and the government was considering all measures to resolve the unrest as soon as possible to allow students to resume their academic activities peacefully.