Tensions in Manipur escalated on Saturday after the recovery of six bodies believed to belong to the Meitei community ignited widespread protests, leading the state government to impose a curfew and suspend internet services for two days.
This violence is the latest chapter in a series of ethnic clashes that have troubled the northeastern Indian state for over 18 months, further deepening the divide between the Hindu Meitei majority and the Christian Kuki minority, who now inhabit segregated enclaves.
Bodies Discovered Amidst Ongoing Violence
The six bodies, thought to be Meitei individuals who went missing following a recent gunfight between Kuki insurgents and Manipur police in Jiribam district, were found over the course of two days. Local media reported that three bodies were retrieved from a river on Friday, while the other three were discovered on Saturday.
This grim discovery has reignited hostilities in a state already reeling from significant casualties and displacement due to ethnic strife.
Protests Turn Violent
The news sparked widespread outrage, with furious mobs targeting the homes of seven local politicians. An army source indicated that only minor damage was reported, but unrest quickly spread to the streets of Imphal, the state capital, where protesters set fire to tyres and blocked major roads.
In response, the government announced a curfew in parts of Imphal, citing the “developing law and order situation.”
Internet Shutdown to Curb Escalation
To prevent further escalation, Manipur’s home ministry ordered a 48-hour suspension of internet and mobile data services. Authorities cautioned that social media could be misused to spread inflammatory images, videos, and hate speech, potentially heightening tensions.
“Anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation,” the official notice stated.
