Unrest spreads in Manipur after tragic killing of two students and AFSPA extension

Manipur, normally hailed domestically and globally for its scenery and vibrant culture, is again in the throes of turmoil following the tragic killing of two Meitei students. The murders, which occurred amid already ongoing widespread protests, have ignited anger and calls for justice among the local population. The bodies of Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) were discovered only recently since they went missing on July 6, 2023. Allegedly killed by Kuki militants, their photographs circulated widely on the internet: one showing their lifeless bodies and another showing them in a fearful state alongside two armed men. In response, thousands of students in Imphal took to the streets on September 26. The disappearance and murder of Hemjit and Linthoingambi had occurred during a period marked by ethnic violence in the State. A significant development in the wake of the violence was the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in Manipur, though it is important to note that this extension excluded 19 police stations in the Imphal Valley and an area bordering Assam. The AFSPA extension has historically been a contentious issue in Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured of swift action against the students' murderers and nab the culprits at the earliest. In a significant development, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), led by the agency's Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, was dispatched to Imphal to investigate the alleged kidnapping and killing of the two students. This move came after the Manipur government handed over the case to the CBI, hoping for a thorough and impartial investigation.The State Government has suspended the internet services in the state and the school and colleges have been shut.

Political reactions have been varied. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has asked the Prime Minister to sack Chief Minister N Birendra Singh, terming him "incompetent". Indeed, the CM has miserably failed to douse the fire engulfing his State for five months now. It is now a national issue and a human crisis that must be resolved at the earliest. Many precious lives have been lost and still no tangible solution has been found either by the Government or Manipur’s warring tribals. The State is in such a mess that it is casting doubts on the nation's ability to deal with tragic incidents laced with rights abuse. The world media has been rather critical of the Indian Government in how it dealt with the situation. It remains to be seen how people will react to AFSPA extension to deal with the situation. The tragic loss of two young lives should serve as a reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful and just resolution to the issues facing Manipur. The State's people and the Government should deal with the situation without any prejudice or electoral collateral.