August 5, 2023
In a tragic turn of events, Clashes are erupting in the Bishnupur district of Manipur. This has resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
The clashes, which erupted late on Friday, have intensified an already tense situation in the region. Reports indicate that at least three individuals lost their lives during the recent clashes. The primarily involved members are of the Meitei and Kuki communities. They are also the ones involved in Clashes erupting in Bishnupur district of Manipur.
Violence led to burning of Houses
The violence led to the burning of several houses belonging to the Kuki community, adding to the devastation. The situation escalated further with heavy firing occurring in the Kwakta area of the Bishnupur district, where security forces engaged with members of the Kuki community.
Among those affected by the violence was a Manipur commando, who suffered a head injury during the confrontation. The severity of the situation prompted the deployment of paramilitary forces to restore order and maintain security in the area.
These events come only two days after clashes between armed forces and members of the Meitei community protesters, which resulted in injuries to 17 people.
The military is making efforts to disperse the conflict
The clashes on Thursday led to the imposition of stricter curfew restrictions by the authorities as a precautionary measure.
Manipur police and the Military force is using tear gas shells to disperse the conflict.
The underlying cause of this ongoing violence traces back to ethnic tensions that erupted nearly three months ago in Manipur.
The conflict stemmed from a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The clashes have claimed the lives of over 160 individuals since their initiation and left hundreds injured.
The demographics of Manipur play a significant role in these conflicts.
The Meitei community, constituting around 53 percent of the population, predominantly resides in the Imphal Valley.
In contrast,the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up around 40 percent of the population and are concentrated in the hill districts.
The disparity in distribution and resources has fuelled tensions between these groups.
The recent surge in violence underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution to the underlying issues, which stem from historical, cultural, and political differences.
The loss of lives and property in Bishnupur serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Manipur.
The necessity of addressing these issues of Clashes erupting in Bishnupur district of Manipur is through dialogue, understanding, and collaborative efforts.
