Tensions have reached a fever pitch in Manipur following the arrest of five village defense volunteers, catalyzing widespread demonstrations, particularly within the Meitei Community. Mass protests were reported across valley regions, with large numbers of women leading charges on local police stations, fervently demanding the release of the detained individuals or arrest them too.
At the forefront of these events, around 1:30 PM, throngs of demonstrators converged near the Singjamei Police Station in the Imphal West district. Chants echoed as they rallied, “Arrest us if you are going to arrest all those village defense volunteers!” Their approach was met by a barricade formed by the Manipur Police and Rapid Action Force about 500 meters from the police station.
The standoff quickly became tense, culminating in skirmishes between the protesters and law enforcement. Angry shouts resonated, highlighting grievances against the perceived bias of the Manipur government. Protesters condemned the government’s perceived propensity to enforce laws in the valley while allegedly allowing Kuki militants unbridled freedom in the hill regions.
The situation reached a boiling point when security forces deployed tear gas and mob bombs to disperse the crowd. Amid the ensuing chaos, one demonstrator, identified as Laishram Sanajaoba from Kakwa, Imphal West, defied the retreat and was briefly detained. Expressing his discontent, Sanajaoba articulated the public’s anguish over the government’s inability to resolve the ongoing five-month conflict, emphasizing the perceived valley-hill bias. “We are not scared to die thinking of our future generation. Despite having no weapon, we are ready to fight with our all might,” he asserted.
The arrests on September 16 of the five village defense volunteers have set off a domino effect. In protest against the police action, a 48-hour shutdown was declared, demanding their release. With no positive response from the government, intensified demonstrations, coordinated by Meira Paibi and valley clubs, took to the streets.
These events have raised crucial questions regarding the impartiality and competence of the Manipur Police during an already volatile period. The arrests, juxtaposed with reports of armed Kuki militants operating openly in areas like Churachandpur, have fueled allegations of bias against the Manipur Police and Assam Rifles. The primary question echoing in the valleys and hills remains: Are the law enforcement agencies unbiased in their approach to the diverse communities of Manipur?
With public faith in the administration waning and violence continuing unabated, the Manipur government faces the formidable task of restoring peace and trust among its citizenry. The safety of its people, the preservation of harmony between communities, and transparent governance remain paramount as Manipur navigates these tumultuous waters.
