The Indian Army has brought the situation under control in Moreh and Kangpokpi areas of Manipur, following violence during a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union to object to the Meitei/Meetei being classified as a Scheduled Tribe. Restoration of normalcy is a priority in Churachandpur and Imphal.
Violence broke out on May 3, 2024, in some areas of Manipur at a rally called for by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to oppose the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category. The clashes were reported in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the ATSUM.
The situation quickly escalated, and the Indian Army and paramilitary forces were deployed to control the situation. The government also suspended mobile internet services for five days and imposed a ban on large gatherings and a night curfew in several districts of the state.
Meghalaya Students Safe in Manipur Violence
The Indian Army stated in reaction to the unrest that Moreh and Kangpokpi area conditions were stabilized after being brought under control. Furthermore, Imphal and Churachandpur are working hard to get back to normal. The Army asked people to be careful about fake videos being circulated by inimical elements for vested interests and to rely on content through official and verified sources only.
Following reports of violence in Manipur, the chief minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, convened an urgent meeting to ensure the security of students from Meghalaya. More than 200 Meghalayans have enrolled in school in Manipur, and the government is setting up a helpline that kids or family members can call in an emergency.
The demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category has been a contentious issue in Manipur. Meiteis are the dominant ethnic group in the Imphal Valley and are currently not included in the Scheduled Tribe category. The demand has been opposed by the tribal groups, who fear that it will lead to the dilution of their rights and benefits.
Dialogue Needed to Address Manipur Clashes
The clashes in Manipur highlight the need for dialogue and consensus-building to address the concerns of all communities. The demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category should be evaluated based on its merits and potential impact on the existing rights and benefits of the tribal communities. The government should engage in a dialogue with all stakeholders and find a solution that addresses the concerns of all communities.
In the meantime, it is essential to restore normalcy in Manipur and ensure the safety and security of all residents, particularly students from other states. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces should exercise restraint and adhere to international human rights standards while maintaining law and order. The government should also take steps to address the underlying causes of the unrest and promote social harmony and inclusiveness.
The suspension of mobile internet services and the imposition of a ban on large gatherings and a night curfew may help to control the situation in the short term, but they should not be used as a tool to suppress dissent and freedom of expression. The government should ensure that these measures are proportionate, necessary, and consistent with international human rights standards.
Addressing Concerns of All Communities Vital
The clashes in Manipur highlight the need for dialogue, consensus-building, and inclusive policymaking to address the concerns of all communities. The government should engage in a dialogue with all stakeholders and find a solution that addresses the concerns of all communities.
In the meantime, it is essential to restore normalcy in Manipur and ensure the safety and security of all residents, particularly students from other states. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces should exercise restraint and adhere to international human rights standards while maintaining law and order.
The government should also take steps to promote social harmony and inclusiveness and ensure that measures taken to control the situation are proportionate, necessary, and consistent with international human rights standards.
