Fresh attacks, arson as Manipur remains tense

A tense Sunday unfolded for Manipur as more rioting and arson was reported, including targeting of the homes of several legislators and demonstrations despite curfew, even as the bodies of two victims from a family that has lost six members to attacks from militants were found with gory injuries, a discovery that could further inflame the ethnic conflict.

The rapidly deteriorating situation prompted Union home minister Amit Shah to cancel his Maharashtra election rallies and rush back to Delhi for emergency meetings with security officials. Shah will chair a detailed review meeting at North Block on Monday as the Centre scrambles to contain the violence. The government has also dispatched CRPF director general Anish Dayal Singh to Manipur.

The ripples rocked political alignments as well with the National People's Party (NPP), which has seven MLAs in the 60-member assembly, on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, claiming that the N Biren Singh dispensation has "completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy" in the northeastern state.

While the NPP's move will not threaten the government since it has a majority of its own in the assembly, the worsening crisis has threatened to spark dissent within the BJP after a ruling MLA, speaking anonymously, told HT that "two MLAs left for the national capital on Sunday evening to discuss the crisis" and 19 in all are considering resigning.

"There is no meaning in continuing to be a legislator in this situation," one legislator told HT on condition of anonymity.

Reacting to the escalating crisis, former Manipur CM and senior leader Congress stalwart O Ibobi Singh on Sunday blamed the state and central governments for the deteriorating situation.

In a press conference at his residence, Ibobi stated, "The ongoing turmoil in the state is a direct result of the failure of governance at both state and central levels.

Had the governments been competent, the situation would not have reached this stage." On calls for Biren Singh's resignation and the imposition of President's Rule, Ibobi remarked, "Demands for Biren Singh's resignation are an internal BJP matter.