Manipur Violence: Violent protests again in Imphal, DC office vandalized; burnt two vehicles

A fresh incident of student-led violence broke out in the Manipur capital on Tuesday after photographs of the bodies of two youths who went missing in July went viral on social media. Violent protests over the death of two youths continued on Thursday. A mob of students vandalized the Deputy Commissioner's office in Imphal West and set two vehicles on fire. The officers provided this information.

Last night, protesters clashed with security personnel in Uripok, Yaiskul, Sagolband, and Tera areas, following which forces had to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, officials said. He said protesters blocked roads by burning tires, boulders, and iron pipes to prevent security forces from entering residential areas.

The mob also vandalized the DC office and set two vehicles on fire. He said CRPF personnel controlled the situation.

Protestors set fire to BJP office

Curfew has again been imposed in two districts - Imphal East and West - by security forces to counter the violent protests. 65 percent of the protesters have been injured in this violence since Tuesday. Meanwhile, a BJP office was set on fire at Khongjam in Thoubal district, police said.

Search operation continues to arrest the accused

Manipur Police said in a statement that the mob targeted a police vehicle and set it on fire, while also assaulting a policeman and snatching his weapon. The statement further said that strict action will be taken against those involved in such crimes, and search operations are being conducted to recover the snatched weapons and arrest the accused.

Amidst this demonstration by students, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights has urged the security forces not to use arbitrary lathi charges, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets against teenagers.

The violence started in Manipur on May 3

You may be aware that since the outbreak of caste violence in Manipur on May 3, more than 180 people have been killed and several hundred have been injured. A 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the demand of the majority Meitei community to grant them Scheduled Tribe status. The Meiteis constitute about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent and live mostly in the hill districts.

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