Imphal: Curfew has been imposed indefinitely across the Lilong Assembly constituency in Manipur’s Thoubal district following the torching of a BJP leader’s house. The incident occurred after the leader expressed support for the Waqf Amendment Act, leading to unrest in the region.
Local authorities reported that a large mob, estimated to be between 7,000 to 8,000 individuals, attacked the residence of Mohammad Asker Ali, President of the BJP’s minority morcha in the state. Armed with sticks and stones, the crowd set Ali’s house on fire in Lilong Sambrukhong Mamel.
Thoubal District Magistrate A. Subhash Singh announced that the curfew was enacted under section 63 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing the sensitive nature of the situation and the potential for further disturbances. The district’s Superintendent of Police had requested the curfew to help maintain peace and public order.
The unrest follows Ali’s social media posts supporting the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The act has sparked protests in various parts of Manipur, particularly in the Valley areas, where demonstrations have been held against the legislation.
Security forces faced clashes with protesters during a rally that disrupted traffic on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The demonstrations extended to other Muslim-majority areas in Imphal East and Thoubal districts, intensifying the call for action from local authorities.
As the situation remains tense, the district administration continues to monitor developments closely to prevent any escalation of violence.