Manipur clashes: Clashes broke out between Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and security forces in Manipur's Imphal East district on Thursday after tear gas was deployed to disperse a protest rally. According to police, around 100 IDPs from the Akampat relief camp attempted to stage a protest, demanding their rehabilitation and a resolution to the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. The protest was halted by security forces, leading to a confrontation. The camp residents, carrying placards and banners, expressed their desire to return to their homes in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, and other affected areas.
Locals also joined the fray, hurling stones at the security forces. The protesters managed to continue their rally for about 1 km but were stopped at Singjamei in Imphal West district after additional security reinforcements, including CRPF personnel, arrived. Reports of assaults and injuries have surfaced but the numbers remain unconfirmed.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh told the assembly on Wednesday that 226 people have died due to the ethnic violence in the state. Singh noted that over 59,000 displaced people are currently sheltered in relief camps and 11,133 houses have been burned in the unrest.
ITLF seeks Home Minister Amit Shah's help
Last month, Manipur-based Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing serious concerns regarding the alleged heavy-handed actions against Kuki-Zo village volunteers by central agencies amid ongoing ethnic conflicts. The letter strongly condemned multiple incidents, particularly in Jiribam’s Phaitol and Mongbung villages, where it was reported that central security forces allegedly assaulted seven Kuki women and detained two village youths. They also highlighted the arrest of three Kuki-Zo volunteers following an arson attack, along with allegations of burning residences belonging to community leaders, which have further escalated local tensions.
Manipur violence
It should be mentioned here that the northeastern state has been rocked by ethnic violence since May 3 last year when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for ST status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. More than 200 people have been killed and several hundred injured in it so far.
(With inputs from PTI)
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