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By India Today News Desk: A rally organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Manipur’s Churachandpur turned violent on Wednesday night. The rally was organised by the union to protest the demand of Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Violence broke out during a “Tribal Solidarity March” and the state government suspended internet for five days to tackle the worsening law and order situation in the state. The Army and Assam Riffle personnel were deployed in several affected districts in Manipur after violence broke out.
Meiteis make up 53 per cent of Manipur’s population. They claimed they are being threatened by illegal immigration by Myanmarese and Bangladeshis. The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) said they are not protesting only for reservation in jobs, tax relief and educational institutions but “to protect our ancestral land, culture and identity”.
Here’s everything that has happened so far:
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The Manipur High Court’s recent direction to the Manipur government to consider the inclusion of Meitei in ST has led to an outburst from the tribal community. Internet services were suspended across the state for the next five days after fresh violence erupted during a tribal agitation on Wednesday. The authorities have also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in several districts. Curfew was imposed in eight districts of Manipur following the violence.
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The Army and Assam Riffle personnel have been deployed in several affected districts in Manipur after violence broke out during a “Tribal Solidarity March” called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM). The Army conducted area domination exercises on Wednesday night to restore law and order in the state.
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The Ministry of Defence Public Relations Unit for Kohima and Imphal said that “Army and Assam Rifles have been requisitioned by the administration on the intervening night of May 3 and May 4, 2023. The columns of Army and Assam Rifles, along with Manipur police intervened promptly to control the situation. Violence was controlled by morning hours.”
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Approximately 7,500 people were rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas and given shelter in various Army/Assam Rifles camps and state government premises at various locations. Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control. Shifting of villagers to safer areas is also under progress.
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Mary Kom, an Olympic medal-winning boxer and former Rajya Sabha MP, appealed to maintain peace in her home state Manipur amid widespread violence. “I am not feeling good about the situation In Manipur. Since last night the situation has deteriorated. I appeal State & Central Government to take steps for the situation & maintain peace & security in the state. It is unfortunate that some people lost their family members in this violence. This situation must get normal at the earliest,” said MC Mary Kom on Manipur violence.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh and took stock of the situation after fresh violence was reported in the state. Amit Shah assured all possible help to the violence-hit state from the Central government. The home minister asked the Manipur CM to maintain the law and order situation in the state. After the talks between the Manipur and Central governments concluded, it was decided that additional forces would be deployed in Manipur.
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In his first reaction to Manipur violence, Chief Minister N Biren Singh admitted the loss of lives and properties. However, he did not give the details of death and properties lost in the violence. The chief minister further asserted that the violence erupted for a misunderstanding and lack of communication between two communities in the state.
He also appreciated the Mizoram chief Minister for his help and concern. Chief Minister Biren Singh urged all communities in Manipur to restore peace and not pay heed to rumours.
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