Manipur govt requests Centre to withdraw AFSPA amid widespread protests

In a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government requested the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, from areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations in the state. 

Days after fresh violence broke out in Manipur's Jiribam, AFSPA has been re-imposed in these areas on Thursday. The imposition of AFSPA has drawn widespread protests in the violence-hit state. 

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The decision came after a meeting of the State Cabinet on Friday. The Cabinet resolved to ask the Central Government to review and revoke the AFSPA declaration for areas under the jurisdiction of Semkai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Morang police stations.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in different parts of Imphal Valley after the bodies of three persons were recovered from the Jiri river. Protesters stormed into the residences of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjanand Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L. Susindro Singh.

Slogans demanding justice for those killed were raised by the agitators. The protesters demanded the authorities to "arrest the culprits within 24 hours".

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Mizoram govt urges "extreme caution" 

In the wake of the recent developments in Manipur, the Mizoram government on Saturday urged the residents to exercise "extreme caution" to avoid communal violence in the state. 

A statement by the Mizoram Home Department called on residents to avoid actions that could provoke communal incidents within the state.

It reassured that the state government would continue to take measures to ensure the safety and security of all outsiders, particularly those from Manipur.

It also highlighted that the government would take measures to ensure the safety and security of all outsiders, particularly from Manipur. 

The Mizoram government urged the Centre and the Manipur government to take swift and effective actions to further contain the ongoing conflict. 

"Due to the turmoil, many people from Manipur have sought refuge in Mizoram. The state government and people have continued to provide relief to those affected," it said.

According to the Mizoram Home Department, more than 7,700 people from Manipur are currently taking shelter in different parts of the state.