- Over the past three days, Manipur has witnessed violence, arson, and chaos in various districts, including Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal, and Kangpokpi.
- Violence began on May 3 after a solidarity march organized by All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) opposing a Manipur High Court order to recommend ST status for the Meitei community.
- The violence was triggered by a solidarity march held by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) opposing a Manipur High Court order asking for a recommendation to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (STs) list.
- In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur government authorized district magistrates to issue shoot-at-sight orders.
- The Centre invoked Article 355 of the Constitution, granting it powers to protect the state against internal disturbances, leading to the deployment of military and paramilitary forces in the affected areas.
- The violence has resulted in over a dozen deaths, hundreds of injuries, and the displacement of around 9,000 people from the Kuki and Meitei communities, among others.
- Struggle to control the situation despite flag marches by the Army, with mobile data and broadband connections suspended.
- Indefinite curfew imposed in Meitei-dominated districts and Kuki-dominated areas.
- The conflict’s root causes are multifaceted, including issues related to the government’s clampdown on reserved and protected forests in hill areas, tension over land usage and settlement between tribal communities and the Meitei community, and feelings of persecution among the Kuki people.
- The Chief Minister’s stance on protecting forest lands and the government’s policies have further fueled anger and protests among various communities in the state.
- Previous protest rallies, including those held by the Kuki tribe, and the government’s response, have added to the tensions in the region.
- The High Court order recommending ST status for the Meitei community has also contributed to the existing tensions.
- The Centre’s involvement and deployment of security forces may have broader implications related to Manipur’s status as a border state.
- While some signs of normalcy have been observed, the situation remains volatile, and long-lasting agreements acceptable to all parties are yet to be achieved.
What truly lies at the root of the violence in Manipur?
