Protests in Manipur Defy Curfew, Demand Peace

Students and locals in India's northeastern Manipur defied curfew restrictions as they marched to demand peace in the restive state.

The protesters walked to the deputy commissioner's office in the Bishnupur district and submitted a memorandum demanding a deescalation of violence and withdrawal of federal forces from Manipur.

A resurgence of violence in the past few weeks has rocked the region, killing at least six people in recent drone bombings and gunfights.

The authorities suspended internet and mobile data services to avoid spreading misinformation, which could incite further outbreaks of violence.

The conflict has been ongoing since last year's court decision suggested the Meitei community should also receive the economic benefits and quotas previously reserved for the Kukis.

Also an indefinite curfew imposed in parts of India’s northeastern state of Manipur after student protests over continuing ethnic strife turned violent.

After a brief lull, fighting broke out between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities on Sept. 1 and some attacks involved the use of drones to drop explosive devices, killing civilians. Police say they suspect that the drones were used by Kuki militants, a claim denied by Kuki groups.

Protesters threw stones and plastic bottles in front of the main gate of the state governor’s residence, police said in a statement. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds and about 45 protesters suffered minor injuries, a police officer said.

Manipur’s government is led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi or the BJP have not commented on the latest violence in the state.

At least 225 people have died and some 60,000 have been displaced since fighting broke out last year between the Meitei and Kuki communities over the sharing of economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education that are given to the tribal Kukis.