IMPHAL: Manipur was on the edge today after four people were killed and 13 injured in violence and arson triggered by the passage of three controversial bills by the Assembly yesterday, which has caused resentment among the tribals who fear that their land rights would be snatched.
Widespread arson was witnessed in Churachandpur district with houses of a state minister, an MP and five MLAs being set on fire by unidentified people last evening, prompting authorities to impose indefinite curfew in Churachandpur town.
After the violence and arson, three bodies were found late last night while one charred body was recovered from the debris of the house of Henglep MLA Manga Vaiphei this morning in Churachandpur town, a police officer said.
Vaiphei's house was among seven houses which were torched last night in incidents that took place hours after the Assembly passed three bills.
The houses of MP of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat Thangso Baite, Manipur Minister-in-charge of Family Welfare Phungzaphang Tonsimg, and four other MLAs were also torched.
Churachandpur district hospital authorities said 20 people were admitted to the hospital yesterday of which seven were discharged after first-aid.
The police today claimed that the situation was under control.
Local tribals were, however, angry at the bills, saying they fear that these will allow outsiders to have rights over tribal land.
Three Bills passed by the Assembly yesterday were: The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh amendment) Bill, 2015, and The Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015.
Three tribal students' organisations, which had called a 12-hour bandh in the hill districts yesterday to protest against the passing of some Bills in the Manipur Assembly, were suspected to be behind the arson, a police officer said.