Union Home Minister Amit Shah has canceled his scheduled election rallies in Maharashtra due to the deteriorating security situation in Manipur. The state has been rocked by violent protests in the wake of the brutal killings of six civilians, including three women and children, in Jiribam district. The unrest has intensified, leading to widespread clashes and the destruction of property.
On Saturday night, fresh violence erupted as mobs, angered by the killings, targeted the homes of several political leaders. Protesters set fire to the residences of prominent state ministers and legislators, including Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Govindas Konthoujam and BJP MLA Y. Radheshyam, both from different constituencies in the region. Additionally, homes of BJP MLA Paonam Brojen and Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar were also torched by protesters in Langmeidong Bazar, Wangjing Tentha, and Khundrakpam areas.
In a dramatic escalation, the mob attempted to storm the ancestral home of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in Luwangshangbam, Imphal East. However, security forces, including Assam Rifles and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, quickly intervened, deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The protesters were halted just 100-200 meters from the Chief Minister’s residence. Despite the intervention, demonstrators continued to block roads and set fire to tyres, causing significant disruption.
The violence has prompted local authorities to impose an indefinite curfew across Imphal Valley. The region remains on edge, with tensions running high as law enforcement struggles to restore order amidst the widespread unrest.
In response to the situation, Amit Shah has returned to Delhi to monitor the security situation. His decision to cancel the rallies underscores the severity of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has raised concerns over the state’s stability and the safety of its residents.
The violence follows a series of attacks by militants in the region, further exacerbating the already volatile situation in Manipur. As the protests continue, authorities are grappling with the challenge of restoring peace and preventing further escalation.
