Manipur is on fire due to mob violence
More than 7,500 impacted people were moved to safer locations in Manipur. By the army officials on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Personnel from the army and the paramilitary Assam Rifles were stationed in Manipur’s violent areas.
In addition, the Centre evacuated five Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies in the violated area. For deployment in the troubled regions of the State. While 15 more regular duty companies were instructed to remain on standby.
Despite reports of homes, businesses, and places of worship being set on fire on Thursday in the sensitive districts. The ethnic violence that broke out on May 3 during a “tribal solidarity march” has reportedly mostly subsided.
The All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized a solidarity march. In opposition to the non-tribal Meitei people’s desire for Scheduled Tribe designation, which sparked a tense turn in the situation in Manipur.
The authorities were forced to enforce a night curfew in the affected areas and halt mobile internet access for five days due to clashes between several populations. Principally the Meitei and members of the Kuki-Zomi ethnic group occurred in various locations.
Police said that there was tension in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal. Where Kuki-Zomi residents have been opposing an eviction drive carried out by the state’s BJP-led administration in the cover of an anti-drug campaign. A major portion of the Kuki-Zomi population is accused of coming to India illegally from Myanmar and settling on state-owned forestland to grow poppies.
In order to survive and be protected from the inflow of foreigners, particularly those from Myanmar. Meitei organizations claim that the request for ST designation is reasonable. They contend that having the ST designation would make it easier for them to purchase land in the hills similar to how tribal people may do so without facing any constraints in the “unreserved” Imphal Valley.
While this is happening, former Rajya Sabha member and champion boxer M.C. Mary Kom has made a request to defense minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah, and prime minister Narendra Modi for help putting out the fire in Manipur. She tweeted, “My State is on fire, please help.”
The Chief Minister of Manipur, Nongthombam Biren Singh has informed Home Minister Amit Shah about the violence. In order to restore peace and calm actions and measures have been taken. The conflicts on Wednesday were brought on by a breakdown in communication between the communities.
In a video message, Mr. Singh made a plea for harmony and cooperation from the populace. And stated that the administration will resolve any legitimate requests and concerns after speaking with all groups and leaders.
On the evenings of May 3 and 4, the Churanchandpur, Imphal, and Kangpokpi districts requisitioned the Army and Assam Rifles. By (Thursday) morning, columns of the armed forces and the State police had put an end to the violence. According to a spokeswoman for the defense.
At different locations, a refuge for more than 7,500 people has been made available at defense installations and State government buildings. Flag marches are staged to maintain order. Attempts are made to relocate the populace to safer locations away from the violent areas, he noted.
The chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (Assembly committee) and the president of ATSUM received notices from the Manipur High Court. On Wednesday to appear before it for inciting people to oppose and criticize a decision. Furthermore, the court has pleaded with the media, NGOs, civil society groups, and the general public to desist from any conduct that would impair the court’s stature.
The Meitei or Meetei people have been recommended for inclusion on the ST list. According to a directive issued by the High Court on April 19 that the Manipur government submit to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry by May 29.
The chairman of the Hill Areas Committee Dinganglung Gangmei, is alleged to have published a statement. In opposition to the court’s ruling and expressed his displeasure that the committee. A constitutional entity was not included as a party or involved in the proceeding.