Manipur violence unfolded a fresh tragic chapter on new year’s day. The incident erupted in the Lilong Chingjao area when unidentified gunmen in camouflage attire arrived and opened fire at the locals, killing at least four and injuring four others.
File photo, Source: Scroll.in
Imphal: Bloodshed writes the preface of the new year in Manipur as a fresh violence allegedly kills at least four people and injures four others in Thoubal district on Monday. The incident led to the reimposition of curfew in five valley districts, officials stated.
Unidentified gunmen, dressed in camouflage attire, arrived in the Lilong Chingjao area and commenced firing at the local residents, as reported. Tragically, four individuals lost their lives instantly, while four others sustained injuries. The injured victims were promptly admitted to a nearby hospital, according to officials. Following the attack, the infuriated locals retaliated by setting ablaze three four-wheelers. The ownership of these vehicles remains unclear at present.
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Curfew Reinstated
The order issued by A Subhash, District Magistrate of Thoubal District, states that the Curfew Relaxation order has been revoked immediately. In its place, a curfew has been imposed throughout the revenue jurisdiction of the district, prohibiting individuals from leaving their homes. However, individuals working in essential services such as Health, PHED, MSPDCL/MSPCL, Municipalities, Print and Electronic Media, and the functioning of the Courts are exempted from this curfew.
In a recorded video statement, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his strong disapproval of the violent incident and urged the public, especially the inhabitants of Lilong, to uphold peace. He assured that the police are actively pursuing the culprits responsible for the attack and emphasised that they will be apprehended promptly and subjected to legal consequences.
Manipur Violence: A Brief Background
The violence erupted due to a dispute over an affirmative action policy. On April 14, 2023, the Manipur High Court, in response to a writ petition, directed the state government to recommend the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the Meitei community to the central government. However, this decision was later criticized by the Supreme Court. In opposition to the Meitei community’s demand, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur organized peaceful protest marches on May 3.
Following one of these marches, clashes occurred between Kuki and Meitei groups near the border of Churachandpur district and Bishnupur district, leading to incidents of house burning. The violence quickly spread to Churachandpur town, predominantly inhabited by Kukis, and the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, with the minority community in each area being targeted. According to Reuters, within a week, 77 Kukis and 10 Meiteis lost their lives.
File photo, Source: Telegraph India
Furthermore, apart from the ST status, various other problems had been simmering before the outbreak of violence. One such issue was the perception of the Kuki people residing in the hill districts, who felt that they were being unfairly targeted by the state government’s handling of indigenous land rights matters. The eviction of Kuki communities due to forest survey initiatives, ostensibly aimed at curbing poppy cultivation, has been a direct consequence of this situation.
The influx of refugees from Myanmar after the military coup in 2021 has caused a surge in insecurity within the Meitei community. Specifically, those from the Sagaing region have contributed to this rise in insecurity. The Manipur government has raised concerns about the central security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, for allegedly allowing illegal immigration from Myanmar.
Various organisations have voiced their protests against the Assam Rifles, accusing them of favouring the Kuki communities. In fact, there have been instances where the Manipur police have filed FIRs against Assam Rifles personnel for impeding police operations and aiding Kuki militants in their escape. Additionally, according to multiple organisations, there have been reports of biased killings by security forces, along with allegations of the police supporting the Meitei community.
