The current state of Manipur is disturbing and alarming. One of the prominent states in northeast India is currently burning with some killed and several injured in the violence.
According to The Indian Express, violence erupted in the state between the predominant ethnic group (Meitei) and the tribals (Naga and Kuki) after the Manipur High Court directed the state government to include the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. The Meiteis constitute 53 percent while the tribals make up about 40 percent of the state population.
Worried that the inclusion of the people of the Meitei community in the ST quota would decrease their chances of having government jobs, admission to educational institutions, and land in the hills, the tribals started protesting against the High Court order.
Clashes reportedly broke after the All Tribal Student Union Manipur organized a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district. Similar protest marches took place in all 10 districts of the state.
Reports of vandalism, shooting, destruction of public and private property, and violence also came in from parts of Imphal, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and other areas.
Appeared on @AJEnglish explaining the violent clashes in Manipur.
I hate sharing my vids but this is imp so much so that I actually paid for twitter blue to post this whole goddamn video. pic.twitter.com/nFTqwpVtEs
— Makepeace Sitlhou (@makesyoucakes) May 5, 2023
Soon after, Army and paramilitary forces were deployed and Section 144 was imposed. The Biren Singh-led government also banned mobile internet for five days.
My state Manipur is burning, kindly help @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @republic @ndtv @IndiaToday pic.twitter.com/VMdmYMoKqP
— M C Mary Kom OLY (@MangteC) May 3, 2023
On watching the terrible condition of her state, Olympic medal-winning boxer and Rajya Sabha MP, Mary Kom took to Twitter and appealed to people to maintain calm. “I respect all people. Why can’t all of us live in peace? This is my question. If we live in peace it will be better for all of us. It is also unfortunate some people have lost family members in this violence.”
She also urged the central and state governments to take charge and restore law and order.
“The situation in Manipur makes me unhappy. Earlier I could not even imagine this much violence. Since last night it has become more frightening. I ask the state and central governments to take steps and maintain peace and security. This is my request.”
#WATCH | Delhi: 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… pic.twitter.com/y1ht24WiSc
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2023
Bollywood actress Lin Laishram also raised her voice and pleaded with people of her state to stop the violence.
“As I make this video, my mother is packing her bags, and my family is trying to extinguish the fire. Please stop the violence. Please pray for Manipur. Violence is not the answer, my dear folks. Every life matters,” she shared on her Instagram stories.
In the conflict, a CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) commando was also shot dead by armed assailants in his village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The 27-year-old commando was on leave and was reportedly supposed to rejoin soon.
Reports suggest that more than 1,100 people from Manipur’s Jiribam district and surrounding areas have entered Assam’s Cachar district.
Manipur, India – It is neither Ukraine nor Sudan! pic.twitter.com/lOoCaVjweT
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) May 3, 2023
Recounting the horror, 43-year-old L Muangpu said, “It took a few minutes to realize that we were being attacked. The mob was pelting stones, trying to burn our homes, and threatening us. They kept chanting, this is our final war.”
Several families affected by the recent incidents in Manipur have sought refuge in Assam. I have requested the District Administration of #Cachar to take care of these families.I am also in constant communication with the HCM @NBirenSingh and have pledged the full support of the…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 5, 2023
As of now, thousands of displaced people are being evacuated from violence-hit areas. During the evacuation, five people (four in Churachandpur and one in Imphal) were shot dead.
IRS Association strongly condemns the dastardly act of violence resulting in the death of Sh. Letminthang Haokip, Tax Assistant in Imphal. No cause or ideology can justify the killing of an innocent public servant on duty. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult hour. pic.twitter.com/MQgeCDO95O
— IRS Association (@IRSAssociation) May 5, 2023
The sad state of affairs in North East India is terrifying and saddening. We sincerely hope the authorities jump to action and quickly stop the violence and destruction happening there.