The Manipur government has taken the decision to impose a full curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West districts in response to the escalating law and order situation, with ongoing protests stemming from the disappearance and killing of two Meitei teenagers, Phijam Hemjit Singh and Luwangbi Linthoingambi Hijam, who went missing over two months ago.
Previously, these districts had been under partial curfew earlier this month. However, in an order dated September 26, some restrictions were eased to allow for the movement of people.
In the latest directive, the district magistrate stated, “Due to the developing law and order condition in the district and to prevent any untoward incidents and loss of life and property and also further as a precautionary measure, the curfew relaxation order dated 26th September, 2023, stands cancelled, and full curfew is imposed from 04:00 PM on 27th September, 2023.”
It was clarified that the movement of individuals engaged in essential services such as health, electricity, municipal bodies, media, and fuel stations would still be facilitated.
Earlier in the day, Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured him that those responsible for the abduction and murder of the two Manipuri youths would be apprehended and held accountable.
A team of officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), led by the agency’s Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, has arrived in Manipur to conduct a thorough probe into the case. The incident has triggered two days of violent protests by students and youth in the state capital, resulting in more than 60 people sustaining injuries.
The chief minister emphasized the seriousness with which both the central and state governments are treating the case. He stated, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah-ji called me up yesterday evening and told me that he is sending a CBI team on a special flight to investigate the particular case.”
Singh further quoted Amit Shah as emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible under the law, ensuring that “no one will be spared.”
While the exact location of the CBI team’s activities was not disclosed, the investigation began upon their arrival in Imphal.
The case originated on July 6 when the two youths disappeared, and it was subsequently handed over to the central agency on August 28. Photos of the deceased’s bodies circulated on social media earlier this week, sparking protests by students in the state since September 26.
It’s worth noting that Manipur has been in a state of tension since May, marked by ethnic clashes that have resulted in over 175 fatalities and numerous injuries.