NB Explains | Why is Manipur burning?

The Manipur government on Thursday issued a "shoot at sight" order in "extreme cases" to contain violence in the state between tribals and the majority Meitei community. Amid this, mobile internet services were suspended across the state and a curfew was imposed in at least eight districts.

 

 

 

The Army and paramilitary Assam Rifles staged flag marches in tribal-dominated Churachandpur district as well as several areas of Imphal Valley and Sugnu in Kakching district. Fifty-five columns of the Army and Assam Rifles had to be deployed to contain widespread rioting. The Army also kept some 14 columns on standby for deployment in case the situation flared up once again, a defence spokesperson said.

 

 

Clashes broke out on Wednesday which intensified overnight with counter-attacks being mounted by rival communities in retaliation to earlier attacks, after Nagas and Kukis organised a 'Tribal Solidarity March'. This march is to protest moves to give scheduled tribe (ST) status to the majority Meitei community. The protest march was organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the 10 hill districts of the state.

 

The Manipur High Court had asked the state government last month to send a recommendation to the Centre within four weeks on the demand for ST status by the Meitei community. While the Meiteis, which dominate the Imphal Valley, account for 53 percent of the state's population, the tribals constitute about 40 percent.

 

Lawmakers of the valley have earlier openly endorsed the demand by some Meitei organisations for ST status, who claim they are facing problems because of "large-scale illegal immigration" from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

 

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh and took stock of the situation in the state. Shah has also spoken to the chief ministers of Manipur's neighbouring states - Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram -- in view of the situation in the violence-hit state.

 

Amit Shah held two video-conference meetings with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Union Home Secretary, Director IB and other concerned officials in the state as well as the Centre.

 

Besides, Urging people to maintain peace, Manipur CM N Biren Singh said, "Precious lives have been lost, besides damage of properties, which is very unfortunate." He said the violence was the result of "misunderstanding" in the society.

 

"The state government is taking all steps to maintain the law and order situation and additional paramilitary forces have been requisitioned to protect the lives and properties of the people. Central and state forces have been directed to take strong action against individuals and groups who are indulging in violence," he said.

 

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony in the state. "I am very pained with the violent incidents in Manipur over the past two days. I appeal to the people to maintain peace, tranquillity and harmony I appeal to the people to not take part in any violence or arson activity, and not to pay heed to any rumours. The people should bring up their concerns to the government and cooperate with the authorities. I pay condolence to those who died in the violence, and wish for the recovery of those injured," she said.

 

 

Meanwhile, the Congress has hit out at the ruling BJP over the situation in Manipur with Rahul Gandhi saying the PM should focus on restoring peace in the state.