UPDATE- India expands controversial law in restive Manipur state

UPDATES WITH NEW DETAILS

By Anadolu Staff

ANKARA (AA) - India on Thursday reimposed the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act on parts of Manipur amid the growing violence in the northeastern state.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act gives immunity to security forces against any judicial proceedings.

A notification issued by the Indian Home Ministry said the "Disturbed Areas" status, which was in place for the entire state except 19 police stations, is now extended to the jurisdiction of six more police stations.

Previously, the act had been withdrawn from the jurisdiction of 19 police stations in the state.

Enacted by the British in 1942 to suppress India’s freedom movement, the legislation was notified again after independence in 1958 to combat disturbances in the northeastern provinces.

As the Manipur state is witnessing fresh violence, the Indian government deployed an additional 2,000 security personnel there.

On Monday, at least 10 suspected militants were killed in armed clashes with security forces in the Jiribam district. Subsequently, authorities imposed a curfew in the district.

On Wednesday, Manipur police said unknown "armed miscreants" fired towards two loaded trucks and partially burnt one of them in the Tamenglong district.

The fresh violence follows ethnic clashes in the state last year, which resulted in the killing of at least 180 people.

Fighting has taken place between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities in the state.

Meitei are mostly Hindu and dominant in the state's population, while Kukis are mostly Christians, and among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India.

Amid the fresh violence, three women and three children were abducted by armed men.

Manipur lawmaker Leishemba Sanajaoba demanded intervention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the abduction, accusing “Kuki militants.”

As many as 13 local civil organizations have called for a 24-hour strike starting Tuesday evening in response to the escalating violence in the state.