IMPHAL: The Imphal district of India’s Manipur state witnessed a violent clash between security forces and Meitei students on Wednesday, resulting in over 50 students sustaining injuries. Tensions are escalating as protests continue to rage across the Imphal valley following the killing of two Meitei students. The situation remains extremely tense, and a curfew has been imposed in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
The deceased students, identified as Hijam Linthoingambi (17) and Phijam Hemjit (20), are suspected to have been killed by Kuki militants, according to Imphal Police. Their last known location was traced to a tourist spot in the Churachandpur district on July 6.
Tuesday saw over 40 students injured during protests, with videos capturing security forces employing baton charges and tear gas shell firings to disperse the demonstrators. In response to the violence, the Manipur government has reinstated a ban on internet services for the next five days.
On Wednesday, more than 1,000 students from various colleges and schools initiated a “peace march” demanding justice and the punishment of those responsible for the students’ killings. The rally was en route to the chief minister’s bungalow when security forces intervened and dispersed the crowd with tear gas.
For 147 days, people of Manipur are suffering, but PM Modi does not have time to visit the state.
The horrific images of students being targeted in this violence has once again shocked the entire nation.
It is now apparent that violence against women and children was weaponised…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 27, 2023
Manipur Students Demand Justice
The protesting students had called for Chief Minister N Biren Singh to address their grievances personally. “We want the culprits and killers of our two Meitei students nabbed and punished,” said Lanthengangba Irengbam, a student. “The government has failed to catch them even after two months…the CM should come to us and explain what steps he has taken to bring them justice. Why has no arrest been made so far?”
Another student, Naoba, expressed concern about escalating violence, stating, “Call it whatsoever, but the visual imagery of what the RAF [Rapid Action Force] and AR [Assam Rifles] did is too gory and brutal that it would make people clench their fists and push back, and thus would result in a spiral of violence.”
A senior police officer attempted to facilitate a meeting between a group of protesters and the chief minister at his home, but the students insisted that the chief minister come to them. Despite an hour of discussion, the issue remained unresolved.
The Prime Minister is roaming around different states leaving behind his trademark trail of lies, abuses and insults. Why he cannot find a day to visit Manipur is simply beyond any understanding.
Today again internet services have been suspended for 5 days in Manipur. A…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 26, 2023
During the ongoing discussion, someone from the crowd threw stones at the security forces. In response, the police and the Rapid Action Force fired tear gas shells, smoke bombs, and rubber bullets.
The violence has now spread to other parts of the Imphal valley, with mobs attempting to enter government offices and burning down political party offices. The situation remains highly volatile, and authorities are working to maintain order amid escalating tensions.
