At least 98 people have been killed and over 300 injured in Manipur since ethnic clashes erupted last month. The clashes started after a Tribal Solidarity March took place in 10 districts on May 3, protesting against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community.
The violence has spread to various parts of the state, with tension escalating over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land. The situation, however, appears to be improving as the administration has relaxed the curfew in several districts.
Curfew relaxation periods have been implemented in different districts. Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur have a 12-hour relaxation, while Jiribam has 8 hours, Thoubal and Kakching have 7 hours, and Churachandpur and Chandel have 10 hours of curfew relaxation. Tengnoupal has 8 hours, Kangpokpi has 11 hours, and Pherzawl enjoys a 12-hour relaxation. Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong districts have no curfew, indicating a return to normalcy in those areas.
The clashes have resulted in over 4,000 cases of arson and the destruction of properties worth crores. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as a result of the violence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently visited Manipur, has announced that a judicial probe led by a retired high court chief justice will be established to investigate the clashes. Shah mentioned that the clashes were triggered by the Manipur High Court seeking the state government’s views on granting Scheduled Tribe status to a community.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, but efforts are being made to restore peace and address the underlying issues behind the clashes.
