Manipur Violence: Currently, the state of Manipur in the northeast region is engulfed in the flames of violence. Tensions have escalated throughout the state, with intense conflicts erupting between two communities. Incidents of arson and vandalism have become rampant. The gravity of the situation in Manipur has necessitated the deployment of the army and police, with curfews being enforced in several districts. Military and Assam Rifles personnel have been dispatched to restore order and stabilize the situation.
Manipur Violence: Situation under control, flag marches in Churachandpur underway, says Indian Army
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 5, 2023
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/ZIAO8qtNOK#ManipurViolence #Manipur #Imphal #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/Jg9CLPDjy0
The administration has reportedly issued a shoot-at-sight order following a violent public rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur. Mobile internet services across the state have been suspended for five days since Wednesday. In response to the incidents that occurred after the Tribal Solidarity March on May 3 and to ensure public order and peace in the state, Manipur’s Governor Anasuya Uikey has instructed all District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and authorized Executive Magistrates to issue shoot-at-sight orders if necessary, in order to maintain law and order in the state.
A total of 55 companies of Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed so far to restore law and order, Defense PRO told IANS. Additional 14 columns have been kept ready for deployment at short notice.
He said that around 10,000 villagers from different communities have been sent to Army and Assam Rifles camps in different districts.
What is the reason behind the ongoing violence?
Manipur is burning! Indian media is silent. pic.twitter.com/ngHEcUWmSK
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) May 3, 2023
On Wednesday, the Adivasi Solidarity March protested against the demand for including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, which further worsened the situation in Manipur. As a result of the escalating violence, the Manipur government has issued a shoot-at-sight order. The All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized the protest, which saw thousands of tribals participating from all 10 hill districts, demanding the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST category.
I think mobile network is not working in Manipur, otherwise Modi would have stopped this violence with one phone call.
— Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) May 4, 2023
Remember Ukraine-Russia war?#ManipurOnFirepic.twitter.com/BNRf61pH5z
Hearing a writ petition filed by the Meetei (Meitei) trade union, the Manipur High Court on April 19 directed the state government to expeditiously consider the petitioners’ case for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.
#WATCH | Vandalism, arson in several districts of #Manipur as tensions grip the northeastern state amid widespread protests against the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST category.
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2023
Internet and broadband services have been suspended in the state for 5 days… pic.twitter.com/0ipxrGalvC
The valley is dominated by Meiteis and they are demanding ST status. They allege that there is infiltration from Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is destroying the demographic pattern in the state.
Let me tell you that the real reason for the dispute in Manipur is the issue of reservation. The non-tribal Meitei community, which accounts for 53 per cent of the state’s population, has been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This matter is going on in the court. The High Court had directed the government to implement a 10-year-old recommendation to include the non-tribal Meitei community in the tribe.
#WATCH मणिपुर: ऑल ट्राइबल स्टूडेंट यूनियन मणिपुर (ATSUM) द्वारा चूड़ाचंदपुर जिले के टोरबंग क्षेत्र में बुधवार को निकाली गई 'आदिवासी एकजुटता मार्च' के दौरान भयानक हिंसा भड़की। वीडियो चुराचंदपुर ज़िले के टोरबंग इलाके से है। pic.twitter.com/keAu4LZziu
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) May 4, 2023
Today’s press review reports that tensions have been high in Manipur since February when the BJP-led government started removing encroachments from protected areas.
As a result of the violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday to assess the law and order situation. Singh urged the people to maintain peace and cooperate with the state government, and he acknowledged that the recent incidents were due to misunderstandings between the communities.
He assured that the government would address the demands and grievances after engaging with all communities and leaders. Additionally, Singh discussed the issue of protecting tribals in Manipur with his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga.