Northeast Desk, 16th September: A protest organized by the Meitei community under the Manipuri Elders’ Consortium Shillong (MECS) on Sunday, September 15, in Shillong brought attention to the deepening ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has been ongoing for 16 months. Held at Manipuri Rajbari, the demonstration called for an end to the violence and the restoration of internet services in the Imphal Valley.
Protesters voiced concerns over recent attacks involving weaponized drones and advanced firearms targeting both civilians and security forces. Placards demanded an end to the “killing of Meiteis” and the revival of communication channels in the conflict-ridden region, where the death toll has risen above 250, and more than 60,000 people have been displaced.
The protest comes amidst growing alarm within the Manipur police over a dangerous escalation in protest tactics. Deputy Inspector General N Herojit Singh revealed that demonstrators are now using automatic firearms against law enforcement officers, a stark shift from previous methods such as stone-throwing.
In Khabeisoi and Kakwa, police officers reportedly came under fire, with automatic bursts targeting even bulletproof vehicles. Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta from Imphal West described these attacks as a worrying development in the ongoing conflict.
In response to the situation, the Manipur government has imposed an indefinite curfew across the valley districts and suspended internet services to curb the spread of violence. The police have also appealed to community leaders and local organizations to assist in de-escalating tensions through dialogue and cooperation, as efforts to restore peace continue.
The protest in Shillong underscored the urgent need for resolution, with participants calling for both immediate intervention and long-term solutions to the ethnic violence.