Mobs attempt to torch houses of BJP leaders; opposition parties demand PM Modi's intervention: Key developments

NEW DELHI: Amid the fresh violence that has gripped Manipur, officials on Saturday said two civilians were injured as mobs clashed with security forces overnight in Imphal town and attempts were made to torch the houses of BJP leaders.

In separate incidents, automatic gunfire was reported from Kwakta in Bishnupur district of Manipur and Kangvai in Churachandpur district through the night.


An attempt was also made to loot of Iringbam police station in Imphal West. However, no weapons were stolen.

As the state and central government forces attempted to bring the situation under control, opposition parties have rallied to attack the slow response of the 'double-engine' BJP-led regime.

Here are the top developments through the day:

Mobs try to torch buildings
Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Rapid Action Force held joint marches till midnight through the state capital to halt rioters from congregating, said officials.

A mob of approximately 1,000 people came together to try and burn down buildings. The RAF fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Another mob tried to set the house of Biswajeet, MLA on fire. RAF column, however, dispersed the crowd.

Another mob surrounded the BJP office post midnight at Sinjemai, but could not do any harm as an Army column dispersed it.

Similarly, a crowd tried to vandalise the home of Sharda Devi, BJP (women's) president near Porampet in Imphal around midnight. Security forces managed to disperse the youth.

The attacks in Manipur come a day after the home of the Union Minister RK Ranjan Singh was burnt down by a mob of 1,200 which lobbed petrol bombs.

Ideology of RSS, politics of BJP to blame: Jairam Ramesh
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday hit out at the BJP at the Centre over the prevailing situation in Manipur, blaming the unrest on the brand of politics of the saffron party and the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its ideological fountainhead.

"There is only one reason why Manipur is burning. It is because of the ideology of the RSS and the politics of the BJP. Everything else is a diversion from this basic fact," he said.

Opposition parties urge PM Modi to intervene, seek meeting

Ten opposition parties of Manipur led by the Congress on Saturday questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the continued violence in the northeastern state, while urging him to meet them and make an appeal for peace.

Addressing a press conference with other leaders, Manipur's three-time former chief minister O Ibobi Singh said they have sought a meeting with the prime minister and were awaiting his response before he leaves for his foreign tour on June 20.

The Congress leader said that the violence was continuing in the state since May 3 and the "silence" of Prime Minister Modi is "hurting" Manipur.

PM must break silence: NCP

The Nationalist Congress Party on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must break his silence and initiate talks between warring groups in Manipur to bring peace to the violence-hit state.

NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said more than 100 people have been killed but the Centre has failed to restore peace and normalcy.

"Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh says the situation is under control but the ground reality is far different. Even the BJP's own Union minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh had to bear the brunt of violence as his house was burnt down in Imphal," Crasto said.
Over a month of violence

More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki community people in Manipur that broke out a month ago.

The state government has imposed a curfew on 11 districts and banned internet services till June 20 in a bid to stop the spread of rumours in the state.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53% of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute another 40% of the population and reside in the hill districts.
(With inputs from agencies)