'Will visit Manipur, talk to people for peace': Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said he will visit Manipur in a few days amid fresh violence in the state over the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Shah also appealed to the people to keep calm and emphasized the importance of restarting the dialogue process between the Meiteis and tribals. Notably, many parts of Manipur reported fresh clashes this week.
Why does this story matter?
Shah's statement comes just days after the Indian Army was re-deployed and a curfew was reinstated following fresh clashes. Violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 after the tribal community marched against the non-tribal Meiteis' demand for ST status. Notably, the violence was preceded by the Manipur High Court's judgment in March, which directed the state government to consider the Meiteis' demand.
'Will talk to people of Manipur for peace': Amit Shah
Referring to the fresh violence in Manipur, Shah said, "I would appeal to both groups, they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone." "I will myself go to Manipur after few days and will stay there for three days and will talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace," he said while addressing an event in Guwahati, Assam.
Watch: What Amit Shah said about fresh Manipur violence
Know about fresh violence in Manipur
On Monday, fresh violence broke out in Imphal's Checkon neighborhood after members of the Meitei and Kuki communities clashed over space in a local market. Soon, the Indian Army and paramilitary personnel were dispatched to help contain the situation. While on Wednesday, four tribal women from Manipur's Ukhrul district on their way to the airport were allegedly assaulted by a mob.
Women were dragged by their hair, threatened with iron rod
Reportedly, the four women were on their way to the Imphal airport to fly to Mumbai when they were stopped by a mob and pulled by their hair to the road. "They tore our clothes, bags, including inner wears...A man came with an iron rod in an attempt to beat us. I raised my hand and it hit me," one of the women said.
70 killed, thousands displaced in Manipur violence
Since the violence broke out on May 3, over 70 people have been killed, while thousands have been displaced and are taking refuge in neighboring states such as Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam. Meiteis make up around 53% of Manipur's population and dwell primarily in the Imphal Valley, while tribals—Nagas and Kukis—make up 40% and live in the hill districts.
