Background:

• Manipur, a state marked by ethnic diversity, has been grappling with longstanding tensions between the majority Meitei community and tribal groups like the Kukis. 
• These tensions have led to recurring clashes, primarily in the Imphal Valley and the southern hills. 

News:

• Manipur has relapsed into chaos after discovery of the bodies of six missing individuals, suspected to be of missing Meitei individuals, recovered from a river in Jiribam, an ethnically diverse district.
• The incident has reignited ethnic strife in the state. As protestors took to the streets, setting vehicles ablaze, the government temporarily suspended internet and mobile data services in several affected districts.
• To tackle the ongoing ethnic violence, the Centre reimposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur’s six police station areas, including Jiribam. 
  • Passed in 1958 for the North-East and in 1990 for Jammu & Kashmir, AFSPA gives armed forces special powers to control “disturbed areas”.
  • The Central Government, or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.
  • Under its provisions, the armed forces have been empowered to open fire, enter and search without warrant, and arrest any person who has committed a cognisable offence, all while having immunity from being prosecuted.