Suspects behind violence against ministers identified: Manipur CM

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday said that suspects involved in looting the properties of ministers and MLAs during protests on November 16 were identified and legal actions initiated. He condemned incidents like torching the photograph of a minister’s late father in his house, looting the residence of an MLA and firing inside a car showroom, and wondered whether these could be part of any agitation. “In the name of democratic movement, some gangs have looted and burnt the residences of ministers and MLAs. Suspects have been identified through CCTV and appropriate legal actions have been initiated. I feel ashamed to publicly to say that such things are happening in Manipur,” Singh told reporters in Imphal.The Chief Minister urged people to avoid activities that could lead to further internet suspensions in the state, saying, “Do not blame the government only. We need to correct ourselves as well.”
Biren Singh acknowledged the anger over the killing of women and children in the Jiribam district, emphasising that he had no objection to genuine protests. However, he condemned “politically motivated gangs” that allegedly exploited the situation, warning of stringent legal actions. Defending the actions of central forces, he said, “Had not CRPF gunned down 10 or 11 militants in Jiribam, some 100 civilians would have been killed on November 11 since the attackers wanted to overrun a relief camp in Borobekra and a police station.” He added, “The steps taken by the central forces should be appreciated.”
"When the situation improves, we will make sure to lift suspension on (mobile) internet. Operations are on to apprehend the attackers. Though the NIA is also handling the case of the killing of innocents in Jiribam, the state government is not silent. We are also looking for them. The government will seek to protect lives and properties of civilians," Singh said.
Manipur has seen a fresh wave of protests after six people – three Meitei women and three children - went missing from a camp for displaced persons in Jiribam last week, following a gunfight between armed men and security forces that resulted in the deaths of 10 Kuki youths. More than 220 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.