Despite the significant security measures in Manipur, a renewed episode of violence occurred on Monday, May 22nd. This incident adds to the escalating conflict between tribal and non-tribal communities, which has already claimed the lives of more than 70 individuals since the start of May.
During reports indicating new instances of violence in the restricted area of Manipur, it has been reported that one individual was allegedly killed and two others sustained injuries during separate incidents that occurred in the Bishnupur district on May 24.
According to official statements, a specific community’s troublemakers set fire to three houses in Phoubakchao, Bishnupur district on May 23. In response, a group of young individuals from another community retaliated by burning down four houses.
Manipur’s Widespread Unrest
Since February, Manipur has experienced unrest due to the eviction campaign initiated by the BJP-led government, which appeared to be aimed at a particular tribal group. While this campaign sparked some protests, they were not as significant as the one that occurred on May 3.Â
The protest was triggered by the Manipur High Court’s directive to the state government to implement a 10-year-old recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the non-tribal Meitei community.
Violent incidents in Manipur
Due to the occurrence of violent events, the authorities in Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Imphal West districts have decided to revoke the relaxation of the curfew. Previously, the curfew had been relaxed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to reports, a group of armed young individuals attacked several villages in Moirang, Bishnupur district in the early hours of Wednesday. Upon hearing the disturbance, some individuals staying at a relief camp in Moirang ventured out to observe the situation.
Unfortunately, one young person named Toijam Chandramani from Churachandpur Thengra Leikai was hit by a bullet from behind that passed through his chest. He was quickly transported to a private hospital in critical condition, but sadly, he reportedly passed away from the gunshot wound during the journey.
Police and security personnel successfully handled the situation of tension in the vicinity of the hospital where the injured young person was taken. Since May 4, there have been sporadic episodes of violence in Manipur, which stemmed from a confrontation among a few individuals on the previous day. Despite the implementation of an indefinite curfew and the suspension of internet services, reports are indicating that the violence has persisted.
To address the situation, the State government has requested the assistance of several Central forces’ companies to maintain control over the violence.
Chief Minister N. Biren, who is also responsible for the Home portfolio, expressed that his government has sought an additional 20 companies of Central security forces to effectively manage the recurring violence in specific regions.
Army deployed as Violence Rises
According to a statement issued by the Indian Army, three teams comprising Army and Assam Rifles personnel were deployed in response to information about four individuals carrying weapons and threatening shopkeepers in the New Chekon area.
The suspects were later observed moving to the New Lambulane area in the Imphal East district. The joint operation involving the Army, Assam Rifles, police, and Rapid Action Force (RAF) swiftly established a cordon around the targeted area.Â
As a result of the prompt action, the gathered crowd was immediately brought under control.
Soldiers stationed in the region quickly arrived at the location and employed physical strength, as well as launched teargas projectiles, to scatter the crowd, leading to minor harm to a small number of individuals.Â
Recent situations
The incident provoked residents to express their opposition by setting tires on fire along the road.
In response to early information about a potential confrontation on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur this morning, military personnel and Assam Rifles units swiftly intervened, successfully restoring order.
Three individuals suspected of involvement were detained, and two firearms were seized. Currently, the situation remains calm, as stated by the Indian Army.
After the incident, the previously relaxed curfew hours in the Imphal East district were made stricter.
The Delhi chapter of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) also alleged that a church called ICI Church on Chassad Avenue in Imphal was deliberately set on fire by Meitei mobs.
This event follows the occurrence of ethnic clashes triggered by a “Tribal Solidarity March” held on May 3, where the Christian Kuki and Naga communities protested against the Meitei community’s request to be included in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST).
These clashes resulted in more than 70 casualties and around 10,000 army and para-military personnel were deployed to restore peace in the northeastern state. Furthermore, the internet has been inaccessible in the region for the past 19 days.
