In a disturbing turn of events, Manipur has become a hotspot of violence as simmering tensions between the people and security forces reached a boiling point.
The catalyst for the recent wave of unrest is being attributed to what critics label as "Modi's extremist policies," with the repercussions being felt on the ground.
The brutality allegedly unleashed by Indian police in Manipur since May 2023 has reportedly pushed the patience of the local population to its limits.
According to reports, an angry mob retaliated by launching an attack on the Thubal police headquarters, resulting in a clash between the rebel group and Indian security forces. NDTV reported that three army personnel were seriously injured in the confrontation.
Critics argue that the Modi government's reserve force, reportedly dispatched to quell the unrest, was met with resistance and had to face the wrath of the protesters. The attack on the Manipur Police Headquarters is being described as a public reaction to what some experts are calling the "incompetence" of the reserve force.
The situation has taken a grim turn, with over 1,000 reported deaths and more than 60,000 people displaced since the unrest began on May 3, 2023, according to BBC reports.
Shockingly, more than 300 women have allegedly fallen victim to sexual assault during the Manipur riots, as reported by sources.
Amid the chaos, there are claims that the people of Manipur are becoming pawns in a political game, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating the situation for political gains.
The opposition leader, whose name was not disclosed, asserted that the people of Manipur are paying the price for the political ambitions of the BJP.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch has criticized the Modi government, alleging that it is not taking the violence in Manipur seriously. The international organization points to the ongoing crisis as evidence of the government's lack of commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected population.