Manipur: The discovery of six bodies — believed to belong to the Hindu Meitei community — sparked anger in the eastern Indian state. Protesters targeted politicians as Hindu and Christian groups clash.ConflictsIndia
The discovery of six bodies — believed to belong to the Hindu Meitei community — sparked anger in the eastern Indian state. Protesters targeted politicians as Hindu and Christian groups clash.
Most of Manipur’s population belongs either to Hindu Meitei community, or Christian KukisImage: AFP/Getty Images
Internet and mobile phone services in the Indian state of Manipur were suspended on Saturday, and authorities also imposed a curfew, following the latest bout of unrest in the volatile region.
The state of Manipur has been the scene of violent clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki community since May last year.
More than 220 people have been killed, scores are missing and approximately 60,000 have been displaced since the escalation of violence.
The discovery of six bodies — believed to belong to the Hindu Meitei community — sparked anger in the eastern Indian state. Protesters targeted politicians as Hindu and Christian groups clash.
Most of Manipur’s population belongs either to Hindu Meitei community, or Christian KukisImage: AFP/Getty Images
Internet and mobile phone services in the Indian state of Manipur were suspended on Saturday, and authorities also imposed a curfew, following the latest bout of unrest in the volatile region.
The state of Manipur has been the scene of violent clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki community since May last year.
More than 220 people have been killed, scores are missing and approximately 60,000 have been displaced since the escalation of violence.
The Manipur government announced a curfew was in effect in part of the state capital, Imphal, due to the “developing law and order situation.”
An unnamed state police official told the Reuters news agency that protesters had gathered and demanded to meet lawmakers in the state capital Imphal.
“When their demands were ignored, they stormed residences, set fire to vehicles, and vandalized properties,” the source told Reuters.
Homes of at least nine lawmakers were besieged by mobs, and four residences were vandalized.
Manipur authorities sought to descalate by shutting down the internet and mobile phone services.
“Anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation,” a government notice said.
