Lagatar24 Desk
NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah canceled his scheduled election rallies in Maharashtra on Sunday to address the escalating violence in Manipur. Shah returned to Delhi as tensions mounted in the state following the killing of six civilians, including three women and children, in Jiribam district. The unrest has triggered violent protests, leading to the vandalism and arson of several properties belonging to state ministers and legislators.
On Saturday night, enraged mobs torched the houses of PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam, BJP MLAs Y Radheshyam and Paonam Brojen, and Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar. The residences were partially burned, though the legislators and their families were not present during the attacks. Protesters also attempted to storm Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s ancestral residence in Luwangshangbam, Imphal East. Security forces intervened with tear gas and rubber bullets, halting the mob’s advance just 100-200 meters from the Chief Minister’s residence. Roads leading to the area were blocked by protesters using tyres and barricades.
In response to the unrest, the state government imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts. Internet services have also been suspended in seven districts, including Thoubal and Churachandpur, to prevent the spread of hate speech and inflammatory content on social media.
The Home Minister’s decision to return to Delhi reflects the central government’s urgent focus on restoring order in the violence-hit state, even as the Maharashtra elections approach. Shah’s intervention underscores the gravity of the crisis in Manipur, which has been grappling with heightened tensions and unrest.
