NEW DELHI: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday condemned the attacks on the houses of ministers and MLAs amid the violent protest that was triggered following the discovery of six bodies – three women and three children – in the Barak river in conflict-ridden Jiribam.
The Manipur CM said that everyone has the “right of democratically protest” but reprimanded the attempts to loot and burn houses under the grab of protest.
“I already said and condemned. Those who are genuinely agitating against the killings of innocent people are genuine, we support their movement and agitation because everyone has the right to democratically agitate. But in the name of the democratic movement, some gangs have looted, burned ministers’ houses and looted their properties,” N Biren Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
He also called the looting a “matter of shame” and assured legal action.
“So, we have already initiated appropriate legal action. We have already who’s who identified through CCTV and I feel shame to express this publically that this is happening in Manipur and looting is taking place in the name of agitation. This is a matter of shame. We will take legal action,” the Manipur CM said.
The six bodies that triggered a new spate of violence in the hill state include a 25-year-old woman and her two young children, a 31-year-old woman and her daughter, and a 60-year-old woman.
They were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants. The bodies have been sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam for autopsy.
Protesters accused the ministers and MLAs of failing to curb the escalating violence. They also opposed the re-imposition of AFSPA in several areas.
Residences of BJP legislators, including CM Biren Singh’s son-in-law Rajkumar Imo Singh, Raghumani Singh, and Sapam Kunjakeswor, were attacked. Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta’s house was also targeted.
Protesters stormed the homes of health minister Sapam Ranjan and consumer affairs minister L Susindro Singh in Imphal.