Imphal12 minutes ago
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In Manipur, the fire of violence that started with the protest against the grant of ST status to Meitei community flared up again after 20 days. Violence broke out in Tronglaobi village of Bishnapur district soon after curfew was relaxed. In fact, suspected Kuki militants torched three Meitei houses on Tuesday. Taking revenge of this incident, the other community also burnt four houses. Then armed men attacked some villages of Moirang in Vishnupur.
Hearing the commotion, some people from the relief camp at Moirang came out. Meanwhile, a youth named Toijam Chandramani was hit in the back by a bullet which went through the chest. As soon as the information was received, the soldiers of Assam Rifles reached the spot. He stopped the escalation of violence by driving away the Meitei youths. The jawans broke many cookie bunkers. Curfew has been imposed in the district following the incident. The injured Chandramani later succumbed to his injuries.
Meitei saying – Kuki not native
Kuki community members say that a solution should be found through political dialogue between the central and state governments with the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF). Why are government representatives coming to us only to talk about restoration of peace. First our problems should be solved. At the same time, the Meitei community said that Kukis are infiltrators from Myanmar, they should be thrown out. While Meitei is the son of the soil here.
Several vehicles were set ablaze following the violence in Churachandpur on 3 May.
The attackers ransacked the minister’s residence
Following the violence, curfew relaxations were withdrawn in Bishanpur, Imphal West, Imphal East districts. Meanwhile, the house of Minister Govindas Konthoujam is ransacked by Meitei women. People have demonstrated after the violence in Bishnupur. Security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd. There was violence in other districts as well.
Weapons recovered including 5 shotguns, 3 arrested
The army searched the vehicle at Kangchup Chingkhong junction in Senapati district. Two single bore guns and double bore guns, one folding butt gun, 280 live cartridges of 12 bore, 81 rounds of 12 bore guns, 6 packets besides 200 ammunition from air gun and five country bombs were recovered from him. 3 people have been arrested.
Mizoram said – be strict on the rioters
After the violence in Manipur, concern has also increased in other northeastern states. More than 10 people have taken shelter in Mizoram and Assam. Mizoram CM Zoramthanga said that Manipur’s problem is serious. CM Biren Singh should strictly deal with the rioters. Nagaland is also troubled by the violence in Manipur. He has made strict on the border.
Curfew was first imposed on May 3 after violence broke out in the state. Along with this, the use of internet and mobile phones was strictly enforced to curb the spread of rumors and fake news.
What is the reason for the violence?
The Meitei community forms more than half of Manipur’s population of about 3.8 million. The Imphal Valley, which covers about 10% of Manipur’s area, is dominated by the Meitei community. The Manipur High Court has directed the state government to consider the demand of the Meitei community and send a recommendation to the Center within 4 months.
Following this order, the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) Manipur took out a rally on 3rd May to demand Scheduled Tribe status to Meiteis. Which later turned violent.
Why is Meitei asking for reservation?
People of the Meitei community argue that before the merger with the Indian Union in 1949, they had the status of a tribe in the princely state. In the last 70 years the Meitei population has decreased from 62% to around 50%. The Meitei community is demanding reservation for its cultural identity.
Who are against?
The Naga and Kuki tribes of Manipur are opposed to giving reservation to the Meitei community. The Nagas occupy 90% of the state’s area and the Kukis form 34% of the state’s population. They say that 40 of the state’s 60 assembly seats are already in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley.
Politically, the Meitei community is already dominant in Manipur. The Naga and Kuki tribes fear that reservation for Meitei in the ST category will lead to division of their rights. As per the existing law, the Meitei community is not allowed to settle in the hilly areas of the state.
Also read other news related to Manipur violence…
Violence once again in Manipur after 18 days, miscreants burnt many houses in the capital Imphal
Violence broke out again in Manipur after 18 days. In the capital Imphal on Monday, the miscreants set fire to the vacant houses. In view of the violence, the government deployed army in the area. Curfew has been imposed and internet has also been banned till 26 May. Read full news…