An angry mob in Thoubal district, Manipur, set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mandal office on Wednesday, as protests escalated over the alleged kidnapping and murder of two students in the state. The demonstrators also vandalized the office gate, shattered windows, and damaged a parked vehicle, according to reports by India Today.
The violent protests continued for the second consecutive day in Imphal, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Chief Minister N Biren Singh of swift action against those responsible for the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, the government extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by an additional six months in Manipur, with the exception of 19 police stations in the Imphal valley and a bordering area with Assam.
Curfew Reimposed as Protests Persist
Curfew was reimposed in East and West Imphal districts as the state government grappled with ongoing violent protests that have left 65 demonstrators injured over the past two days.
Chief Minister Vows “Maximum Punishment”
Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh strongly condemned the alleged kidnapping and killing of the two students and promised “maximum punishment” for the culprits. He stated, “A sad incident took place, where a Meitei girl and a boy were missing from July 3. We tried to trace them and finally handed over the case to CBI on August 28.”
Singh continued, “This is a sad incident, and it is highly condemnable that what the Kuki militants have done is the highest level of crime. Union Minister Amit Shah called me yesterday and ensured that he is sending a CBI team along with the Special Director. They have arrived here in the afternoon today. I want to promise to the people of Manipur that we will ensure the culprit is given maximum punishment.”
CBI Investigation Begins
A CBI team, led by the agency’s Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, arrived in Imphal to investigate the alleged “kidnapping and killing” of the two students. The incident dates back to July 6 when the youths reportedly went missing.
Ethnic Violence Grips Manipur
The recent wave of violence in Manipur has claimed more than 180 lives and left several hundred injured. It erupted on May 3 during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
- Summary:
- Angry mob burns down BJP office in Manipur‘s Thoubal district during protests.
- Protests ignited by alleged kidnapping and murder of two students.
- Violent demonstrations continue in Imphal as Union Home Minister promises swift action.
- Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act extended in Manipur, with exceptions.
- Curfew reimposed in East and West Imphal districts.
- Chief Minister vows “maximum punishment” for the culprits.
- CBI team arrives to investigate the case.
- Ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed over 180 lives since May 3.