Manipur police have arrested eight more people for attacking the homes of ministers, legislators, and a police station during recent violence in the state. The police station was targeted by a mob demanding the release of those detained for the November 16 violence.

According to police, Chongtham Thoicha, 20, of Kiyam Mamang Leikai in the Patsoi police station area of the Imphal West district, was taken into custody on Thursday in relation to November 16 arson against elected officials' residences. “Seven people were arrested on Thursday for attacking Kakching police station and its personnel on November 27. The attack was carried out to demand the release of four persons arrested on November 16 for vandalising properties of an elected member," said a statement from Police.

The homes of lawmakers and ministers were looted on November 16 by a violent mob enraged by the deaths of six hostages, including women and children from the Meitei minority in Jiribam. The bodies of three hostages were found in Jiribam's Barak River. According to reports, the people were kidnapped by Kuki terrorists after a shootout with government forces in the Jiribam district on November 11. Additionally, ten rebels were killed in the gunfight. Since May last year, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has claimed over 200 lives and left thousands homeless.

Earlier this month, fresh unrest saw protesters setting fire to the homes of several political leaders, including PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam in Ningthoukhong, BJP MLA Y. Radheshyam in Langmeidong Bazar, BJP MLA Paonam Brojen in Thoubal district, and Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar in Imphal East. Security forces prevented an attack on the ancestral home of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, according to PTI.