Why Manipur is burning
The state government of Manipur imposed a curfew in eight districts and suspended the internet for the next five days after violence broke out during a tribal agitation on Wednesday. Reportedly, three people were shot dead while several churches and homes were torched. The unrest started during a march organized by a students' body to protest the Meitei community's demand for tribal status.
Why does this story matter?
The Meiteis constitute around 53% of Manipur's population and are largely concentrated in the Imphal Valley. They claim that they are facing difficulties due to the large-scale Bangladeshi and Myanmarese illegal immigrants. Present laws don't allow Meiteis to settle in the state's hilly areas. Meanwhile, the tribals fear the Meiteis getting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status will threaten their land and resources.
Reports say several churches were set ablaze
Several incidents of violence reported from 'Tribal Solidarity March'
The violence started at a "Tribal Solidarity March" called by the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung village of Tuibong tehsil in Churachandpur district against the demand of the Meiteis. The otherwise peaceful march turned violent after some miscreants set the Centenary Gate of the Anglo-Kuki War on fire in Churachandpur district's Leisang village, which borders Bishnupur district.
Tribals forced to take shelter in forest
Following this, villagers from Churachandpur and Bishnupur clashed near Kangvai village in Churachandpur's Tuibong tehsil. Scores of houses were torched, forcing the villagers to seek shelter in a nearby forest. Reportedly, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar tribals in Imphal Valley were targeted and around 14 churches were attacked. Checkon, New Lambulane, Langol, Paite Veng, Game, and Korengei were among the towns targeted by the mob.
3 shot dead, 16 others injured
In retaliation, tribal youths attacked Meitei neighborhoods in Churachandpur. However, in what seemed like a setup, the Meitei neighborhoods were already vacated, and men armed with sophisticated weapons opened fire on the attacking youths. This resulted in the deaths of three people, while 16 others received injuries. Although prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC were in place, they didn't help much.
Targeted attack on tribal students at Manipur University
At Manipur University, attackers targeted Kuki and Eimi tribal students. The miscreants allegedly broke locks and barged into the girls' hostel, checking the identity cards of the students to determine which community they belonged to. Per reports, Deputy Registrar David Zote's residence was also attacked but he escaped. Around 150 tribals have sought shelter at the university's Army camp to save themselves.
Manipur HC recently asked government to consider Meiteis' demand
Similar marches were taken out in Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Noney, and Ukhrul districts. In Naga-dominated Senapati town, local authorities forced a total suspension of marketplaces and public transportation. Many have called on the central government to intervene, while others have demanded that President's rule be imposed in the state. The Manipur High Court, in a recent order, backed the Meiteis' demand for ST status.
Star pugilist Mary Kom called for central government's intervention
RAF companies to be deployed in Manipur
On Thursday morning, Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh and took stock of the state's law and order situation. A few companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were dispatched to Manipur in a special Indian Air Force (IAF) plane.
Arson followed drives to vacate villages, identify 'illegal immigrants'
Last week, prohibitory orders were imposed and the internet was suspended in Churachandpur after an irate mob set ablaze an open gym scheduled to be inaugurated by Singh. The action was intended to protest against the eviction of tribal residents from villages that were declared protected forest areas. Manipur's hill tribes have long been demanding protection under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.
