Unrest intensifies in northeastern India after mob attacks political offices
by ShravyaIn a volatile incident in northeastern India’s Manipur, a mob attacked political party offices, prompting alleged police gunfire.
The incident took place in Jiribam district on November 17.
Visuals showed massive black flames erupting from burnt goods strewn across the main road, with the fire intensifying rapidly. Distressed locals gathered around the site as security personnel managed the situation amidst the chaos.
According to reports, the mob targeted the BJP and Congress offices in Jiribam town, near the Assam border, on Sunday night. The police allegedly opened fire during the confrontation, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Khundrakpam Athouba and injuring 26-year-old K. Bishan. The violent outbreak spurred the Manipur government to initiate a probe into the confrontation.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh convened a meeting with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators in Imphal, 220 km away from Jiribam, to review the law-and-order situation. Meanwhile, State Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh led a parallel meeting with top police and paramilitary officials.
On November 18, the government formed a two-member panel to investigate the incident. The announcement followed mass resignations from BJP office-bearers in Jiribam, citing the prevailing “unwelcome and helpless situation” in the region.