Imphal (Manipur) [India], November 22 (HBTV): Manipur Police on Friday arrested seven more individuals in connection with arson and property damage incidents involving elected members on November 16. This brings the total number of arrests to 32.

According to Manipur police officials, the new arrests were made on November 20 and 21.

'In connection with cases related to arson/damage of properties of elected members on 16.11.2024, Manipur Police arrested 07 (seven) more persons on 20.11.2024 and 21.11.2024, in addition to the 25 (twenty-five) persons arrested on earlier days,' the police officials said via a post on X.

The individuals arrested have been identified as Wahengbam Jyotikumar Singh (26), Khundrakpam Bikram Singh (41), Monish Nepram (31), Aribam Mirachandra Sharma (41), Elangbam Harison Singh alias Dada (34), Lourembam Norojit Singh alias Nonni Singh (40), and Laimayum Kedarnath Sharma (37).

Further investigations are ongoing, according to the Manipur Police.

Police also conducted search operations and area domination by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. The movement of 50 and 432 vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37 and NH-2 was ensured. Strict security measures have been implemented at all vulnerable locations, and security convoys are provided for sensitive stretches to ensure the free and safe movement of vehicles. A total of 105 Nakas/Checkpoints have been installed across different districts of Manipur, both in the hill and valley areas, with no arrests related to violations.

In related developments, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh responded sharply to Congress leader P. Chidambaram's criticism of his handling of the ongoing crisis in the state. Chidambaram had posted, and later deleted, a message blaming Singh for the crisis, suggesting the situation in Manipur resulted from his leadership. In response, Singh accused Chidambaram of being the 'root cause' of the ongoing violence.

Meanwhile, several Manipur MLAs passed a resolution on Monday outlining their demands in response to the violence. The resolution called on the central government to reconsider the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state. The MLAs also demanded an operation within seven days against Kuki militants, who are accused of killing six people, including women and children, in Jiribam.

Additionally, the resolution called for the transfer of three key cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), including investigations into the killing of six civilians, a woman who was burnt, and a woman farmer.

The recent escalation followed the discovery of six bodies, prompting the state government to suspend internet services in seven districts as a precautionary measure. 

(ANI)