Manipur: Amid Violent Protests, Meitei Group Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum To State Government To Take 'Decisive Action' Against Armed Groups

Civil society organisations in Manipur have given the state government a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding decisive action against armed militant groups.

The Northeastern state witnessed unrest again on Saturday (16 November) evening when a mob tried to storm the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh

Security forces used tear gas to scatter the crowd, which had assembled in in anger after six missing bodies were found in Jiribam district.

The deceased included an infant and two women, sparking widespread anger over the government's alleged inaction and lack of communication.

The bodies, including that of an eight-month-old child, were recovered from the Barak River in Jiribam.

These individuals had been missing since Monday, following violent clashes where 10 armed Kuki men were killed in a gunfight with security forces.

"All the representatives of the states and all the MLAs should sit together and take some decisive action to resolve this crisis as soon as possible," said Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil rights group.

"If they don't take any decision up to the satisfaction of the people of Manipur, then they will bear the brunt of the people's discontentment. We have set a 24-hour ultimatum for the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to take some decisive action and military crackdown against all armed groups," Athouba added, NDTV reported.

The enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station jurisdictions has also faced sharp criticism. Civil society organisations contend that the law, which grants sweeping powers to security forces has heightened mistrust and anger among the local population.

COCOMI has called for swift military action against militants and the immediate repeal of AFSPA. Athouba cautioned that failure to meet these demands within 24 hours could lead to a severe public backlash.

The continuing violence between the Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes referred to as Kukis—a term dating back to British colonial times—has resulted in over 220 deaths and displaced close to 50,000 people in Manipur.

Meiteis, currently categorised as a general category group, are demanding recognition under the Scheduled Tribes category.

Meanwhile, Kukis, who have ethnic links to Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram, are pushing for a separate administrative region carved out of Manipur.

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