In response to the volatile law and order situation triggered by the disappearance and killing of two Meitei teenagers, the Manipur government has imposed a full curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West districts. The decision, which comes after weeks of protests and escalating tensions, aims to prevent further unrest and safeguard lives and property in the region.
Background:
The recent turmoil began with the disappearance of Phijam Hemjit Singh and Luwangbi Linthoingambi Hijam, two Meitei teenagers who vanished over two months ago, allegedly abducted. Their mysterious disappearance sparked outrage and protests across Manipur, with citizens demanding justice and accountability.
Chronology of Events:
- Partial Curfew: Earlier this month, authorities had imposed a partial curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West districts in response to the mounting unrest. On September 26, curbs were partially relaxed to allow for the movement of people.
- Full Curfew: However, in light of the escalating law and order situation, the district magistrate issued an order on September 27, 2023, canceling the curfew relaxation and reinstating a full curfew. The curfew is in effect as of 4:00 PM on that day.
- Exemptions: The curfew allows for the movement of individuals belonging to essential services, including healthcare, electricity, municipal bodies, media, and fuel stations.
Government Response:
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured him that those responsible for the abduction and murder of the two Manipuri youths will be apprehended and held accountable. A team of officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) led by Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar has arrived in Manipur to initiate a probe into the case.
“The central and state governments are very serious about this case,” said Chief Minister Singh. He conveyed that Home Minister Shah emphasized the gravity of the situation and pledged that “no one will be spared.”
Escalating Protests:
The case of the missing teenagers took a grim turn when photos of their deceased bodies circulated on social media. This revelation further fueled protests, particularly by students in Manipur, which began on September 26. The ongoing unrest has resulted in over 60 people being injured in the state capital.
Context:
Manipur has been gripped by tension since May of the same year when ethnic clashes erupted in the northeastern state. The clashes have led to the loss of more than 175 lives and left several hundred people injured.
In Summary:
- The Manipur government has imposed a full curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West districts amid protests over the killing of two Meitei teenagers who went missing over two months ago.
- The curfew was initially partial but was reinstated as the law and order situation deteriorated.
- Essential services are exempted from the curfew, and a CBI team has been dispatched to investigate the case.
- Photos of the deceased teenagers’ bodies circulating on social media have intensified protests in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic clashes since May, resulting in numerous casualties.
