Wave of violence in Manipur claims 54 lives and displaces thousands

Rajnandini Malladeb

Kohima, 8th May 2023: In a tragic turn of events, the northeastern state of Manipur has been rocked by a wave of violence that has claimed 54 lives and injured numerous others. Long-standing animosity between ethnic groups in the Imphal valley and its surrounding hills heated up after a disputed BJP state government decided to launch a campaign to evict tribal villagers from restricted forests.

As a result of the All-Tribal Students Union of Manipur’s march against the probable inclusion of the dominant Meitei ethnic group in India’s “Scheduled Tribe” grouping, which resulted in the participation of thousands of tribal people, hostilities erupted for the first time. The protestors, primarily the Naga and Kuki ethnic groups, claimed that the new districts would divide their ancestral lands and threaten their identity.
Numerous fatalities have been reported since then. Over 23,000 members of the Kuki and Meitei communities have reportedly been forced to leave their homes, and over 54 people have reportedly been killed or injured.

But as more and more complaints of burning and vandalism came in from other regions of the state, the violence only got worse. Buses and trucks, among other vehicles, were set on fire by enraged demonstrators. In other places, demonstrators have even set fire to homes and businesses owned by people from different ethnic groups. On television, viewers were able to see burning cars, burning buildings, and streets filled with a cloud of dense black smoke.

The situation presents a grim picture and is certainly difficult for the authorities to control. There have also been reports of violent confrontations near the border town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal area, where numerous Meitei homes were burned down. Violence has also been reported in other locations in Imphal, the nation’s capital. A five-day mobile internet ban is in effect, and Indian army forces have been deployed to the streets.

However, there is no official confirmation regarding the fatalities. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the situation and appealed for calm. A team of officials has been sent to the state of Manipur to conduct an assessment after the centre anticipates the situation. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for harmony and asked all parties to work out their issues through communication.

Additionally, on Friday, Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh, along with other top state and centre officials, participated in a video conference meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to examine the situation there. Shah asked for their assistance in locating central forces stationed with their respective jurisdictions for quick deployment in Manipur to assist in restoring order. Before deciding on the Meitei community’s request for Scheduled Tribe classification, Shah assured that the Manipur government would consult with all parties involved.

Shah said, “The court has passed an order. This will be discussed with all concerned stakeholders and the Manipur government will take an appropriate decision after consultations. There is no need for any person or group to be fearful.”

The conflict in Manipur has once again brought to light the intricate ethnic and political terrain of India’s northeast. Tensions between different ethnic groups and the need for more autonomy have caused decades of violence and unrest in the area. The establishment of new districts may have been meant to alleviate some of these problems, but the violence that has followed demonstrates that much more work has to be done to allay the fundamental frustrations of