Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed in violence-hit Manipur following clashes and arson during protests against the inclusion of the majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category even the organisation spearheading the agitation said tribals were being targeted in places such as Imphal while police looked on.
Guwahati-based public relations officer (defence) Lt Col Mahender Rawat said around 4000 people have been sheltered in the army, Assam Rifles, and state government premises. “Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control,” he said. “More people are being shifted from violence-hit areas.” The army said the forces were deployed to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of residents. “The columns of the army, Assam Rifles along with state police intervened to control the situation on [Wednesday] night. The violence was arrested by the morning,” said Rawat.
The All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM), which led the protests and enforced a shutdown, denied allegations that protesters who participated in its solidarity march were involved in violence. “The solidarity march ended peacefully. But soon after some people burned the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial gate in Churachandpur. That was when violence erupted,” said ATSUM president Paotinthang Lupheng.
He alleged houses of tribals and churches were being burned down in Imphal and other places. Lupheng accused the police of inaction. There was no immediate response from the police. “There are reports that several people have died and many are injured. The situation is very volatile and requires the Union government’s intervention. ATSUM appeals to the state government to take steps to ease the tension and also request the tribal people to maintain peace,” Lupheng said.Meiteis account for around 53% of Manipur’s population and are concentrated in Imphal Valley. The opponents of their ST status say it will deprive them of government jobs and admissions to educational institutions. They say Meiteis will get most of the reservation.Tribals make up about 40% of the state’s population and include the Nagas and Kukis communities.
