National desk
20 November
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Amid ongoing communal violence in Manipur, the administration has relaxed curfew for seven hours in five districts of the Imphal Valley. Residents of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching can step out from 5 am to buy essential items.
Despite this, tensions remain high, especially in Imphal East and West, as citizens demand action against the recent killing of three women and three children, allegedly by Kuki terrorists in Jiribam.
In response to public outrage, the Coordination Committee for the Integrity of Manipur has temporarily suspended protests for a week. This comes after state NDA MLAs passed a resolution for strong measures against Kuki terrorists. However, committee leader Somorendro Thokchom warned that protests would resume if no concrete action is taken. He also demanded the withdrawal of AFSPA, recently re-imposed in some areas.
Meanwhile, women’s organizations have opposed the suspension of protests, urging continuous demonstrations.
The Manipur government has extended the ban on mobile internet for seven districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi—by three days. While broadband services resumed recently, mobile internet has been restricted since November 16 to prevent further unrest.