GUWAHATI: After days of fragile peace, the army and paramilitary forces have been dispatched to Manipur in response to Monday afternoon's resumption of violent clashes.
According to media reports, Meitei and Kuki communities clashed in the New Checkon area of Imphal. The conflicts began over space in a local market.
Following reports of arson in the area, a curfew was instituted. For almost three weeks, Manipur has been the scene of ethnic clashes related to multiple issues.
Tribal members organised a solidarity march on May 3 to protest the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which sparked clashes in the hill state at the beginning of this month.
The violence that had simmered for over a week claimed the lives of over 70 individuals. Properties worth crores were torched, and thousands were forced to leave their homes to seek safety in government-organised camps.
Tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land led to a series of smaller disturbances before the clashes.
Although Meities comprise 64 per cent of the state's population, they occupy only 10 per cent of the state’s territory because non-tribals are prohibited from purchasing land in designated hill areas.
Their inclusion in the ST category will allow them to purchase land in the hills, a prospect that has enraged the tribals.
The Kukis allege that the state's BJP government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been systematically targeting them, intending to expel them from the forests and their homes in the hills. They have also claimed that the war on drugs was a cover for eviction.
The army and paramilitary forces have established a camp in the state, where they conduct regular patrols and assist civilians.
The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has met with representatives of both communities and assured them that action will be taken against those responsible for the violence.
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