Manipur: Fresh Violence Erupts In Imphal After Houses Set On Fire, Army Called In, Curfew Back

Manipur Violence: The clashes erupted following an altercation between the Meitei and Kuki communities for a space in the local market of the area.

Timely action by the security forces brought the situation under control in Manipur

Source : Pallav Bora

Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel had to be rushed to Checkon area in Manipur's Imphal east district after fresh ethnic clashes between two communities broke out on Monday. The clashes erupted following an altercation between the Meitei and Kuki communities for a space in the local market of the area.

Miscreants set abandoned houses on fire in Imphal after which curfew was imposed in New Lambulane area of the state capital. Incidents of arson from the area were also reported. 

However, the sporadic incident could not spread due to the timely action by the security forces and soon the situation was brought under control.

Curfew in the area, which had been relaxed till 4 pm, was reimposed at around 1 pm as the clashes broke out.

Security forces have been deployed in the entire locality as well as the entire Imphal East district to prevent the recurrence of any untoward incident.

The Delhi unit of Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) also claimed that a church was "targeted and burnt down by Meitei mobs." As per the Students' Organisation, ICI Church in Imphal's Chassad Avenue was set ablaze by the mob.

Another Church Targeted and Burnt Down by Meitei Mobs.

Devastating scenes of ICI Church at Chassad Avenue, Imphal engulfed in flames, a testament to the utter incompetence of our state administration. The people entrusted to protect us have failed miserably, leaving us to face… pic.twitter.com/agI3P4Hnp3

— KSO Delhi & NCR (@KSODelhi) May 22, 2023

In a statement the Indian Army siad, "Responding to inputs of likely clash on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur today morning, Army & Assam Rifles columns moved in time and situation was brought under control. 3 suspects were apprehended & 2 weapons have been recovered. The situation is peaceful." 

Clashes broke out in the picturesque state after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. 

The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations.

#WATCH | Abandoned houses set ablaze by miscreants in New Lambulane area in Imphal in Manipur. Security personnel on the spot. pic.twitter.com/zENI5nuMyM

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2023

Following the violent demonstrations, curfew was imposed in the state which was earlier relaxed till 4 pm. 

The internet has also been snapped across the state which was extended till May 26 on Sunday to curb the spread of rumours and hate speeches amid the reports of fresh violence and arson. 

The order, issued by the Manipur Home Department, said there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)