Curfew Imposed in Manipur, India, After Six Bodies Are Discovered

In response to the discovery of six bodies, an internet shutdown and curfew were imposed in Manipur on Saturday after protests erupted. The bodies are believed to belong to individuals from the Meitei community, who had gone missing after a clash between Kuki insurgents and Manipur police last week. Three bodies were recovered from a river on Friday, with three more found on Saturday, local media reported.

The discovery of the bodies led to angry protests, with mobs attacking the homes of seven local politicians, though only minor damage was reported, according to an army source. Protesters also blocked roads and burned tyres in the state capital, Imphal. In response to the unrest, the Manipur government declared a curfew in parts of the city to address the deteriorating law and order situation.

Additionally, the state's home ministry ordered a two-day suspension of internet and mobile data services to prevent the spread of provocative content, such as hate speech and inflammatory videos, which could escalate the situation.

This move follows a pattern of internet shutdowns during past unrest, including last year’s violence that displaced approximately 60,000 people. Many residents remain in emergency shelters, unable to return to their homes due to continued tensions.

The ethnic conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the mainly Christian Kuki communities has been fueled by competition for land and public jobs. Human rights activists have accused local leaders of inflaming ethnic divisions for political gain.