IMPHAL, Nov 17: In a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government has requested the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, from areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations, in a bid to ease escalating tensions in the state. This comes just days after fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Jiribam, prompting the re-imposition of AFSPA in these areas on Thursday, which has sparked widespread protests.

The request for AFSPA withdrawal was made following a State Cabinet meeting on Friday, where officials resolved to ask the Central Government to review and revoke the AFSPA declaration for areas under the jurisdiction of Semkai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Morang police stations. The state government has expressed concern over the continuing unrest, which has further fueled calls for a reconsideration of the law’s imposition in these regions.

The violence has been exacerbated by the recent discovery of three bodies in the Jiri river, triggering protests across Imphal Valley. Demonstrators stormed the homes of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L. Susindro Singh, demanding justice for the victims. Protesters have called for the authorities to “arrest the culprits within 24 hours” and raised slogans calling for accountability.

In response to the ongoing unrest, the Centre has directed security forces to take steps to restore peace in the region. However, the imposition of AFSPA has drawn strong criticism, with local residents and political leaders urging for a reevaluation of the law, citing its impact on civilian lives and the already volatile situation.

Meanwhile, as violence continues in Manipur, the Mizoram government has issued an advisory urging residents to exercise “extreme caution” to prevent communal violence within the state. A statement from the Mizoram Home Department warned that actions that could provoke communal tensions should be avoided and assured that the state government is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents, particularly those from Manipur.

Mizoram has become a refuge for many displaced people from Manipur, with over 7,700 individuals currently sheltering in various parts of the state. The Mizoram government has continued to provide relief and assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict. The state also called on the Centre and Manipur’s government to take swift action to contain the violence and ensure peace in the region.