sixty people were killed in ethnic violence in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur. Image source: GETTY IMAGES
Officials believe sixty people were killed in ethnic violence in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur, with mobs assaulting homes, automobiles, churches, and temples.
During a press conference on Monday, Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, stated that over 200 people were injured and tens of thousands were displaced as a result of the riots.
The violence was sparked by a protest gathering by indigenous communities last week over the state’s principal ethnic group’s demand for tribal membership.
For numerous years, the Meitei community, which accounts for 53% of the state’s population, has sought membership in the Scheduled Tribe category.
This would grant them access to forest lands, a percentage of government jobs, and admission to educational institutions.
During a press conference on Monday, Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, stated that over 200 people were injured and tens of thousands were displaced as a result of the riots.
A protest rally sparked the violence.
Concerns have been expressed by populations that have previously been designated as Scheduled Tribes, particularly Kukis in the hill areas, who fear losing control over their ancestral forest land if the Meitei’s desire is granted.
In an interview on Monday, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the situation in Manipur was under control and urged people to keep peace.
He stated that before making a decision on the subject, the Manipur government would discuss with all stakeholders.
Numerous troops have been sent to keep order.
The Supreme Court of India has expressed worry over the violence and requested that the state administration submit an updated report on relief and rehabilitation efforts within a week.
Mr Singh announced on Monday that over 20,000 individuals “who were left stranded in relief camps” had been relocated to safety. He stated that efforts were being made to rescue a further 10,000 persons.
20,000 people “who were left stranded in relief camps. Image source: GETTY IMAGES
According to accounts, a large majority of evacuees include women and children.
Locals who feel insecure in the current scenario are concerned about their future, according to L Sanglun Simte, an Imphal native who spoke to the AFP news agency.
Kuki, a 29-year-old man, has also been camping with 11 members of his family outside Imphal airport.
As reported on Sunday, the army has been working hard to rescue civilians and restore normalcy by reducing bloodshed, and their efforts have resulted in a temporary halt in hostilities.
residents remain in army shelters, other states have sent rescue teams to get their people out of Manipur. image source: GETTY images
Despite the army’s efforts to restore normalcy, the situation in several sections of the state remains tense.
Local inhabitants are still seeking sanctuary in army bunkers, while rescue teams from neighboring states have been dispatched to remove their countrymen from Manipur.
Some states, like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, have organized special planes for evacuees.
Over 1,000 firearms were stolen from security forces during the battle, according to Mr Singh, with approximately 200 recovered.
If these guns are not returned to police stations, the state government will launch a recovery operation.
Mobs vandalized vehicles and burned homes, shops and several other districts. Image source: GETTY IMAGES
The unrest began on Wednesday, with mobs vandalizing vehicles, torching homes, and wrecking businesses in Imphal and other areas.
Buildings were set on fire, and dense black smoke was enveloping the streets, according to reports and photographs.
The army claims to be making headway in putting the situation under control.
Curfews were temporarily loosened on Monday, according to news agency PTI, allowing people in impacted areas to purchase critical supplies such as food and medicine.
It is unclear if this represents a significant improvement in the overall situation or a short-term effort to satisfy pressing requirements.