Army deployed to stop violence in Manipur

Local Scheduled Tribes are protesting against the High Court’s order about Meitei community

Imphal (Manipur) – After the violence hit Imphal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi on the night of 3rd May, a curfew has been imposed in 8 Districts of Manipur. Internet services have been suspended for the next 5 days to curb the violence. The army and the Assam Rifles have been called to control the violence. They conducted flag marches in various Districts. Due to security reasons, 4,000 citizens have been moved to army camps and Government houses. Mary Kom, well-known woman wrestler has tweeted, ‘My state Manipur is burning. Kindly help’.

(Credit : Republic World)

The cause of violence

Meitei community constitutes 53% of population in Manipur. The community is facing several challenges due to illegal migration of citizens from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Meitei community filed a petition in the High Court for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category; but the ST community within the State opposed this demand. The ST community fears that Meiteis would establish control over their land and resources. The High Court has ordered the State Government to submit their opinion on the petition filed. After the Court’s order, violence broke out in the State. All Tribal Student Union, which consists of various students organisations, organised protest marches across all 10 Districts of the State.