New Delhi: In the face of the continuing crisis in Manipur – with seven people killed just in the last 48 hours – the opposition has heightened its plea for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the urgent issues afflicting the state. Over the past eight months, the region has witnessed over 200 people being killed, with more than 70,000 people displaced. Responding to this alarming situation, opposition MP Rahul Gandhi began his second cross-county yatra, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, from Manipur.
Expressing concern over the prime minister’s silence, Congress leader Pawan Khera emphasised Manipur’s need for a “healing touch”. Speaking to The Wire, Khera stated, “The entire country and the world are shocked by the continuing silence of the prime minister. By starting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur, Rahul Gandhi sent a clear message to the state – the message of hope.”
On January 18, according to The Indian Express, at least five Meiteis were killed in two different firing incidents.
On January 17, a gunfight between militant groups and security forces resulted in the deaths of one Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan and one Manipur Rifles jawan. This incident triggered a significant protest in Imphal, led by women who demanded the resignation of Kuldiep Singh, the chairman of the Unified Command of State and central forces in Manipur. The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) echoed the same demand, expressing concerns about the breakdown of security arrangements, particularly in the border town of Moreh.
The situation escalated when a mob attempted to breach the Thoubal Police Headquarters and Hospital in Thoubal, and the security forces then employed force. Armed miscreants from the mob fired live rounds, resulting in injuries to three BSF personnel: Constable Gourav Kumar, ASI Sobram Singh and ASI Ramji. The injured security forces have been evacuated to Raj Medicity for medical treatment. There were also attempts to loot weapons from the police headquarters.
Students in Churachandpur on the streets
Adding to the complexity, students in Churachandpur took to the streets to protest alleging educational biases imposed by the Manipur government. Since May 3, tribals previously living in Imphal have faced challenges due to the lack of access to universities in the Imphal Valley. While some were welcomed by universities across the country, those who preferred to stay in Manipur demanded the establishment of university campuses in the hill areas. The students alleged that they were intentionally failed by Imphal universities based on ethnicity, emphasising that online classes were not a viable solution.
The discontent extends to unfulfilled promises made by home minister Amit Shah 231 days ago during a press conference in Manipur. Despite assurances of improvements in the education system, tribal students claim that the state has not made progress in addressing their concerns. The situation remains tense, with various factions demanding accountability and action to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Manipur.
Correction: One IRB jawan was killed in the January 17 Moreh gunfight, not two IRB jawans. This article was updated at 3:30 pm on January 19 to reflect this correction.
