The law and order situation in Manipur deteriorated further on Saturday evening after an angry mob, protesting against the death of six hostages from Jiribam, tried to storm the residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh at Heingang in Imphal East.
This came as protesters ransacked the houses of three state ministers and six MLAs, including that of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's son-in-law. The mob also set their properties on fire.
The group were protesting against the death of six hostages. While the bodies of two women and a child, who had been missing since Monday from a camp for the displaced, were recovered from Barak River in Jiribam on Saturday, three other bodies, including a woman and two children, were found on Friday night.
Following this, the authorities imposed a curfew for an indefinite period in Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts of Imphal valley.
A temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in place in the affected districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur for two days with effect from 5.15 pm on Saturday.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body representing civil society organisations of Imphal valley, demanded military action on militants within 24 hours. The organisation has also called for the immediate repeal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), which was recently re-imposed in areas under six police stations.
Meanwhile, the current situation triggered a political slugfest with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressing deep concern on the "recent string of violence and continuing bloodshed" in Manipur.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the violence-hit state and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region. "The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, every Indian hoped that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution," he said. "I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region," Gandhi added.