Guwahati:

Riots have broken out again in Manipur for the past two days. Violent protests continued in the valley and the houses of several ministers and MPs were attacked by mobs. Tension is now simmering in the Imphal Valley region as civil society groups have given an ultimatum to the Center and the state government to take “decisive action” against the armed groups or face public wrath.

Last night, huge crowds gathered and attacked the residences and properties of ministers and MPs, enraged by the ongoing violence for months together.

The trigger was the news of the recovery of the decomposed bodies of six people who were allegedly taken hostage after the exchange of fire at Jiribam, where 10 Kuki militants died.

Civil society groups in the Meiteis-dominated valley have issued an ultimatum.

“All MPs and other leaders must stand together to take decisive action to resolve the current crisis as soon as possible,” said Khuraijam Athouba, COCOMI spokesman, calling for an urgent military crackdown on terrorists and armed groups.

“If they do not take any decisive step to satisfy the people, the government will bear the brunt of people’s discontent and anger,” he added.

The state cabinet has asked the Center to review and withdraw the re-imposition of AFSPA in six police station areas. The opposition is trying to corner the state and the centre.

“We have already mentioned that if necessary, that if we MPs resign, it can solve the crisis, then we are ready for it,” said Okram Ibobi Singh, the leader of the opposition.

The burden of the situation, he stressed, rests with the state and the Centre. “There is a complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery. This is the government’s responsibility and they cannot avoid it,” he added. The Center rushed senior CRPF officials to the state.

Meanwhile, in the Kuk-Zo dominated areas, their tribal body has demanded comprehensive AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) coverage for the Valley districts of the state.

The Sadar Hills Tribal Unit Committee of Kangpokpi District issued a strong statement urging the Union Home Ministry to extend AFSPA to all the remaining 13 police stations in the valley districts of Manipur while withdrawing the act from the hill areas including Leimakhong.

Community protests intensified over the Jiribam crisis.

“Enough is enough. Our cries for justice can no longer be silenced. We march today not only for our fallen brothers and sisters, but also for the dignity of our people and the rule of law,” said Sylvia, a human rights activist from Kangpokpi .