A woman was tragically shot dead near a school in Imphal West district of Manipur, a northeastern state in India. The incident occurred just a day after schools resumed classes following a two-month closure due to ethnic violence in the region.
Incident and Panic in the Area:
The shooting took place at approximately 8:40 am near Sishu Nistha Niketan School, leaving the local community in shock and panic. The woman’s identity has not been disclosed by the authorities. The local community was thrown into a state of shock and panic following the shooting, and the authorities have not yet disclosed the woman’s identity. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ethnic clashes that have been unfolding in Manipur for over two months, further heightening tensions in the region.
Ethnic Violence in Manipur:
Manipur has been grappling with persistent violence between the Meitei and Kuki tribal communities. The clashes have resulted in a staggering loss of life, numerous injuries, and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. The toll continues to rise, with at least 122 lives lost, over 300 individuals injured, and approximately 50,000 people forced to leave their homes. The magnitude of the violence has deeply affected the lives of countless residents and poses a significant challenge to the state government.
Government Response:
In response to the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has taken steps to address the situation. He has announced the reopening of schools for students up to Class 8, except for 96 schools located in the worst-affected areas. The government is currently working on constructing prefabricated houses to accommodate the displaced people taking refuge in relief camps. Once this process is completed and the affected individuals are relocated, students from Classes 9 through 12 will be allowed to return to school. These measures are aimed at prioritizing the safety and well-being of students amid the continued unrest in the region.
Additional Incidents:
Tragically, the shooting near the school was not an isolated incident. In a separate instance, a mob in Thoubal district set fire to the home of an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) member. The incident occurred after the IRB personnel successfully prevented rioters from looting firearms from a police armoury. Unfortunately, the confrontation resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man, Ronaldo, who succumbed to critical injuries on his way to the hospital. Ten others were injured during the clash, with six individuals in serious condition currently receiving treatment in Imphal.
Internet Ban Extension:
In response to the escalating violence and the potential for the spread of hate speech and inflammatory content, the Manipur government has extended the suspension of internet services across the state until July 10th. The ban was initially imposed on May 3rd to curb the dissemination of provocative messages that could incite further unrest.
The recent shooting incident near a school in Manipur highlights the continuing turmoil in the state due to ongoing ethnic clashes. The loss of lives, injuries, and displacement of thousands of people have created an urgent need for effective measures to restore peace and security. The government’s decision to reopen schools in a phased manner and extend the internet ban reflects their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the residents and maintaining stability in the region. Authorities and community leaders must engagein dialogue and seek long-term solutions to address the underlying causes of the ethnic tensions in Manipur.
