Imphal, Nov 17 (V7N) – Protesters in the Indian state of Manipur have attacked and set fire to the residences of two ministers and three MLAs , following the recovery of the bodies of three women and three children abducted earlier from a relief camp in Jiribam. The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Monday, sparking outrage among the Hindu Meitei community , which blames the rival Kuki community for the abductions.

 
The houses of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan Lamphel and BJP MLA RK Imo , along with independent MLA Sapam Nishikant Singh , were among those vandalized. Protesters reportedly set Minister Ranjan Lamphel's house ablaze and vandalized the office of a newspaper owned by MLA Nishikant Singh.

RK Imo, son-in-law of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh , faced angry slogans from protesters gathered outside his residence in Sagolbande, Imphal West.

 
In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur government has:
- Imposed a curfew in seven districts.
- Suspended internet services across the state to curb the spread of rumors and misinformation.

 
Manipur has been plagued by ethnic tensions since May 2023 , when clashes erupted between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the Christian Kuki community over issues related to land, resources, and political representation. The violence has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands.

While the situation had shown signs of stabilization in recent months, the recovery of the bodies has reignited tensions.

 
The attack on political leaders' homes highlights the community's anger and frustration with the state’s handling of the ongoing ethnic conflict. Protesters accuse the government of failing to protect civilians from violence and abductions.

The situation remains tense, with the potential for further violence if immediate action is not taken to address the community's grievances and ensure security in the affected areas.