Photograph: Kind courtesy MC Mary Kom/Twitter
Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to control the situation in Manipur where violence broke out during a tribal agitation, a defence spokesperson said on Thursday.
As per ANI report, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and took stock of the situation.
Manipur Boxing legend M C Mary Kom tweeted “My state Manipur is burning, kindly help,” , sharing photos of the violence, and tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
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
Since 24 hours, some incidents of clashes and vandalism have been reported in some places. These incidents are a result of a prevailing misunderstanding b/w two sections of our society. The state govt is taking all steps to control the situation, Manipur CM N Biren Singh told ANI
The Centre, which is monitoring the situation in Manipur, has also dispatched teams of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) for deployment in violence-hit areas of the Northeastern state.
The violence broke out on Wednesday during ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Thousands of agitators took part in the rally, during which clashes between tribals and non-tribals broke out, a senior police officer said.
Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, the officer said.
Agitated youths were seen gathering at Canchipur in Imphal West district and Soibam Leikai in Imphal East in the Valley calling for retaliation, the official said.
In view of the situation, curfew was imposed in non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur districts and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts.
Mobile internet services were suspended across the state for five days.
So far, 4,000 people have been rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas, and given shelter, he said, adding that more people are being shifted to safer places.
Reacting to the violence in Manipur, Senior Congress leader , General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh tweeted, Collapse of administration in Manipur. Centre is busy with Karnataka elections.
Collapse of administration in Manipur. Centre is busy with Karnataka elections. https://t.co/twOxSgpuT9
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 3, 2023
