Imphal: Violent protests have swept Manipur’s Imphal valley after six bodies, including women and children, were found in Jiribam district. Rioters set fire to the houses of several lawmakers, blaming militants for the killings.
The protests began on Saturday after authorities discovered the bodies of people they said were abducted and killed by militants. Angry crowds attacked the residences of ten parliamentarians, including Manipur Public Sector Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Y. Radheshyam.
“The legislators and their families were not at home when an angry mob stormed their residential complex, vandalized property and set their homes on fire,” the police report said, noting that the home was partially damaged.
Protesters also tried to reach the ancestral home of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh but were stopped by security forces who used tear gas and rubber bullets. Tensions remained tense on Sunday, with curfews imposed in many areas and internet services suspended.
The authorities airlifted 10 bodies of 10 people killed in another incident of gunbattle with security personnel in Jiribam to Churachandpur. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
