Manipur: On November 16, violent mobs targeted the homes of at least three state ministers and six MLAs, primarily from the ruling BJP, following the discovery of the bodies of six missing women and children in Jiribam district. Officials reported that the mobs, consisting of both men and women, attacked the residences of ministers Sapam Ranjan Singh, Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, and Yumnam Khemchand Singh at various locations.
The homes of several legislators, including that of Rajkumar Imo Singh, who is related to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, were also attacked. Protests gathered outside the residences of numerous other political figures in Imphal East and West districts, with at least one vehicle set on fire.
The unrest and protests erupted after the recovery of the bodies, which remain unidentified by their families but are believed to belong to women and children reported missing since November 11. The bodies were found near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers and have been sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for autopsies.
In response to the escalating violence, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East, West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi announced a suspension of mobile internet and data services in seven districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur—for two days starting Saturday evening. A significant presence of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), paramilitary units, and state police has been deployed to manage the situation as disturbances spread across the Manipur Valley.