Imphal: Authorities in Manipur‘s Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts on Saturday curtailed curfew relaxations, following major protests by women.
Tensions escalated after scores of women gathered outside Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West to protest the death of a nine-month pregnant woman who was critically injured by tear gas shells during student protests earlier this week.
The 34-year-old woman’s unborn child was stillborn, and her condition remains critical at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
Despite medical efforts, the woman’s condition deteriorated, and she was diagnosed with a massive intracranial bleed. The protesters accused the authorities of “murdering” the unborn child and leaving the mother in critical condition.
Following the woman’s death, the District Magistrates of Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal had issued separate orders relaxing the curfew for 11 hours on Saturday. However, these orders were subsequently revoked due to the escalating tensions.
Security measures in the affected districts have been tightened, with increased patrolling by paramilitary and other forces.
The state has also witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent weeks, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuries to over 20 others.
In response to the escalating violence, mobile Internet service was suspended in five districts on September 10. Additionally, all schools, colleges, and technical institutions were closed until September 14.