Manipur: 32 Arrested Over Violence Targeting MLAs, Ministers; CM Says 'Don’t Blame Govt Only, We Need To...'

Manipur CM Biren Singh condemned violence during protests, identifying suspects and initiating legal action. He defended central forces' actions in Jiribam and assured efforts to apprehend attackers.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday condemned the recent violence targeting ministers and MLAs during protests on November 16, asserting that the suspects had been identified and legal action initiated. He decried incidents such as the looting of an MLA’s residence, torching the photograph of a minister’s late father, and firing inside a car showroom, questioning whether these acts were genuine protest or something more sinister.

“In the name of democratic movement, some gangs have looted and burnt the residences of ministers and MLAs. Suspects have been identified through CCTV, and appropriate legal actions have been initiated. I feel ashamed to publicly say that such things are happening in Manipur,” Biren Singh told reporters, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The Chief Minister urged people to avoid activities that could lead to further internet suspensions in the state, saying, “Do not blame the government only. We need to correct ourselves as well.”

Kuldiep Singh, Security Advisor to the Manipur government, confirmed the arrest of 32 individuals involved in vandalism and arson targeting ministers' and MLAs' properties. Authorities have also recovered around 3,000 looted weapons, PTI reported.

Manipur Crisis: CM Biren Singh On Violence In Jiribam

Biren Singh acknowledged the anger over the killing of women and children in the Jiribam district, emphasising that he had no objection to genuine protests. However, he condemned “politically motivated gangs” that allegedly exploited the situation, warning of stringent legal actions.

Defending the actions of central forces, he said, “Had not CRPF gunned down 10 or 11 militants in Jiribam, some 100 civilians would have been killed on November 11 since the attackers wanted to overrun a relief camp in Borobekra and a police station.” He added, “The steps taken by the central forces should be appreciated.”

The Chief Minister assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the attackers, with the state government working alongside the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He said, “When the situation improves, we will make sure to lift suspension on (mobile) internet. Operations are on to apprehend the attackers. The government will seek to protect lives and properties of civilians.”

Manipur Crisis: Ethnic Violence Since May 2023

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May last year, primarily between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups from adjoining hill areas. Over 220 people have been killed, and thousands have been displaced. A recent gunfight in Jiribam led to the deaths of 10 Kuki youths, sparking fresh protests. Six people, including three Meitei women and three children, went missing from a camp for displaced persons following the clash.

CM Biren Singh also criticised Congress leader P Chidambaram for suggesting regional autonomy for the state in a now-deleted social media post.

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s comments urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrest industrialist Gautam Adani over allegations of bribery and fraud in the United States, Singh accused America of attempting to undermine India. “Will India do what the US says? The allegations are baseless,” he remarked, as quoted by PTI.