Situation in Manipur Remains Grim Amid Army Deployment
Guwahati: Violent clashes broke on May 3, 2023 out in Manipur between the tribal and Meitei communities. Overnight, the Army and Assam Rifles deployed several columns to quell the widespread violence, which resulted in the displacement of nearly 9,000 persons.
The All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organised a “Tribal Solidarity March,” which is when the fights started. The Meitei community, which makes up the majority of Manipur, has been fighting to be added to the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. However, organisations that speak for the tribal communities have vehemently rejected this demand.
The Manipur High Court issued an order on April 14, 2023 directing the administration to take the Meitei community’s request for ST designation into consideration. Historical hostilities between the hill tribes of the state and the valley-dwelling Meitei population have been exacerbated by this decree.
The Meitei population lives in the state’s central valley, which makes up 10% of its total land area. The remaining 90% of Manipur’s land area is made up of hills that surround the valley and are home to other recognised tribes.
According to a defence official, the soldiers were able to evacuate and shelter 9,000 people from the violent areas. Flag marches were conducted by the Army and Assam Rifles in the conflict zones.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had a telephonic conversation with his Manipur counterpart, N Biren Singh, urging for the restoration of peace. Furthermore, he gave the Home Minister, Commissioner, and Secretary of Mizoram instructions to call a meeting to discuss how to keep the Zo Hnathlak (Kukis) community safe in the neighbouring state.
Around 5,000 people have been relocated to safe homes in Churachandpur, 2,000 in the Imphal valley, and 2,000 in the border town of Moreh in the Tenugopal district, according to the spokesperson. The situation in Manipur continues to be tense as the security forces work to keep the area law and orderly.
