Assam Rifles troop exchanged fire early Thursday morning with unidentified men in the N Boljhang neighbourhood of Imphal injuring 2 soldiers. On June 21 unprovoked firing continued Urangpat in Manipur, with one IED blast reported south of Kwatka on a bridge near Ward No. 9.
On May 3 2024, after at least 54 people died in the “Tribal Solidarity March” protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe(ST) status, socio-political unrest, tensions, violence and clashes between communities continued.
Image source: PTI
The Central government invoked Article 355 of the Constitution, a provision related to emergencies, as the violence intensified on May 4. This action authorizes the government to take appropriate measures to safeguard a state from external threats or internal unrest. Over the following days, convoys consisting of military trucks, Assam Rifles, Rapid Action Force, and local police officers were deployed in the state and entered multiple affected regions.
Manipur nearing a state of civil war.
Manipur has a long and deep-rooted history of mistrust between different ethnic groups residing in the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills and ethnic tensions had been ever-growing.
Since May 3, Manipur has experienced intense turmoil characterized by extensive ethnic clashes between the Meitei community, which holds dominance in the Imphal valley, and the Kuki community, which constitutes the majority in the hill districts. This violent situation has resulted in a minimum of 115 fatalities, over 300 injuries, and the displacement of approximately 40,000 individuals from both communities.
On Tuesday, June 20, discontent against the N Biren Singh government escalated in Manipur and New Delhi, with even lawmakers from the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies expressing dissatisfaction with the unstable conditions in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic conflicts. The opposition and members of the ruling coalition alike voiced their concerns and criticisms regarding the volatile situation.
Over 200 churches and 17 temples have been demolished or damaged by mobs. Homes of local ministers and legislators have been attacked and set ablaze. Everyday life has been interrupted with the 16 districts, schools being shut and internet services being suspended.
The state of Manipur is home to a diverse group of people with its 33 distinct ethnic tribes, but unfortunately, it is also plagued by deep divisions. Within its borders, there exist approximately 40 insurgent groups, each with its agenda. Notably, the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki rebels have been engaged in long-standing armed campaigns, frequently targeting Indian security forces.
Their main source of contention lies in the presence of controversial laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants the security forces expansive search and seizure powers. Clashes have also often erupted between the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki militias themselves due to conflicting territorial claims and aspirations.
Amit Shah calls an all-party meeting on June 24.
Home Minister Amit Shah has summoned an all-party meeting on June 24 in New Delhi to address the ongoing turmoil in Manipur which has been persistently unstable since May 3.
In efforts to reinstate peace, the Home Minister, Shah, undertook a four-day visit to Manipur last month. During his visit, he engaged with a diverse range of individuals, including victims from both the Meitei and Kuki communities who were residing in relief camps.
Shah assured sufficient security measures and expressed the government’s primary objective of facilitating their safe return to their homes. It is anticipated that the Home Minister will also brief Opposition leaders and allies on the present situation, as well as the actions that have been implemented and those that should be undertaken moving forward.
The Opposition has raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s silence regarding the issue, questioning his lack of response. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, on Wednesday, expressed her views stating that the violence in Manipur has inflicted a profound and lasting impact, likening it to a deep wound in the state.
