Central forces rushed to Manipur amid renewed ethnic clashes and protests

The Union government has rushed 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to Manipur to address the "volatile" situation in the violence-hit state. This decision follows a high-level meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, where officials provided updates on the deployment and the ground situation. A ministry team will soon visit the violence-affected areas to assess the situation further, sources confirmed on Monday.

Amid escalating unrest, the government on Thursday reimposed the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas, including the troubled Jiribam district. This move comes after renewed violence between the Hindu Meitei majority and the Christian Kuki community, which has been ongoing for over a year and has led to significant ethnic polarization.

The latest flare-up began after the abduction and killing of three women and three children by suspected Kuki insurgents in Jiribam. Their bodies were recovered five days later in Assam, sparking widespread protests across Manipur. On Sunday, a 21-year-old protester was shot dead during clashes with security forces. While protesters allege police commandos fired at the crowd, the authorities maintain that the mob vandalized properties, prompting action.

Adding to the turmoil, a separate encounter between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and suspected Kuki militants led to the deaths of 10 insurgents. Members of the Kuki community have since protested the handling of the bodies, claiming the deceased were "village volunteers" and not militants.

On the political front, the crisis has strained alliances. The National People's Party (NPP) has withdrawn its support from Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s BJP-led government, citing its inability to resolve the ongoing crisis. The BJP, with 32 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, remains one seat above the majority mark, but the political fallout could further destabilize the state.

As tensions continue, the central government has intensified its efforts to restore peace, but the deep ethnic divides and recurring violence present significant challenges.