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The BJP state office clarified that they have not yet received any resignation letters from the BJP committee of Jiribam Mandal.
Vehicles set on fire during violent protests in Manipur on Saturday. (PTI File)
As the violence continued to shake Manipur on Monday, several BJP office bearers from the Jiribam district submitted their resignation, citing the “unwelcome” condition of the state in a letter to the high command.
However, the BJP state office clarified that they have not yet received any resignation letters from the BJP committee of Jiribam Mandal. The leaders signed a joint letter of resignation, addressed to Manipur BJP chief Sharda Devi.
The development comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the deaths of six Meitei civilians who were abducted by Kuki militants on November 11 and later found dead.
Protestor Killed, Another Injured
A protestor was killed and another sustained injuries on Sunday as protests and violence continued in Manipur’s valley areas, the police said on Monday.
It comes after security forces opened fire in Jiribam district to disperse the mob, killing a 20-year-old man identified as K Athouba, said police, adding that the incident took place around 11 pm at Babupara.
The mob reportedly ransacked and set fire to the local offices of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress in the Jiribam area, prompting the security forces to resort to firing to bring the law and order situation under control.
Manipur Minister’s Residence Set Ablaze
In a separate incident, an angry mob set fire to the residence of Public Works Department (PWD) and Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
The attack, involving an estimated 300 to 400 protesters, caused extensive damage to the property, with losses pegged at approximately Rs 3 crore. Nearly 80 per cent of the house was destroyed in the blaze, and the minister’s office, located within the premises, was also completely burned.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in Manipur on Monday and directed the MHA officials to take all possible steps to ensure peace in the Northeastern state.
The Home Ministry said that the security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace in Manipur as the security situation in the state has remained fragile for the past few days.
Since May last year, at least 250 people have lost their lives, and 60,000 have been displaced in Manipur due to inter-communal clashes over government grants and quotas in jobs and education.
