8 dead in Manipur as violence escalates

Violent protests continued in Churachandpur district of Manipur on Tuesday as angry protesters went on a rampage despite indefinite curfew imposed from Monday evening.

At least eight people including one seven-year-old girl have lost their lives while over 50 people received injuries during clashes with the police.

Manipur government has sent additional forces to the district and a red alert has been sounded in the state. Violent protests erupted after the Manipur Assembly on Monday passed three bills on land reforms and checking entry of ‘outsiders’ in the state.

Even as an indefinite curfew continued across Churachandpur district which is dominated by the Kukis, Hmars and other Zomi tribes, angry protesters from different tribal groups went on a rampage. They also tried to set the police station on fire and the police retaliated with live bullets killing two people.  The protesters also blocked roads, even as more forces of the Indian Reserve Battalion and the state police were sent from state capital Imphal, 65 away from Churachandpur.  At least five people lost their lives on Tuesday and three people died during Monday night protests when an angry mob burnt down the houses of Manipur’s Health Minister Phungjathang Tonsing, the MP for Outer Manipur constituency Thangso Baite and five other MLAs.

Net connectivity cut

The state government has decided to shutdown internet services since it is believed that on Monday evening the violence spread across Churachandpur town after locals started sharing images on social media platforms.

The state government fears that the violence could lead to a clash between communities, sources informed Deccan Herald.  On Monday, the Manipur Assembly, after months of pro-Inner Line Permit protests led by Meitei community in Imphal valley, passes three bills — The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015,The Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill 2015 and the controversial Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015.