Imphal: Manipur is facing a renewed wave of violence, with a recent police shooting incident sparking fresh clashes between communities. The state authorities have swiftly responded by imposing a strict curfew and shutting down the internet to prevent further escalation.
Following a police officer’s fatal shooting of a 32-year-old man on Monday in the Jiribam district, there were numerous protests and outraged locals. In response, mobs gathered outside the policeman’s house in Churachandpur district, vandalising the property and creating a chaotic situation.
To control the escalating violence, the district administration has declared a two-month curfew under Section 144 of the IPC in Churachandpur district, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people and the carrying of arms. The internet has also been temporarily suspended for five days to curb the spread of misinformation and quell communal tensions.
The underlying cause of the unrest stems from the ongoing demand by the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a move that has been met with fierce opposition from tribal groups. This demand sparked a “tribal solidarity march” in May, which escalated into violent conflicts between the two communities.
The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, has appealed for calm and urged the conflicting parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means. “I strongly condemn the recent violence and destruction of property,” said CM Singh. “We are taking all necessary steps to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of all citizens.”
Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to quell the disturbances and maintain peace. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The recent events in Manipur underscore the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution of grievances to prevent further bloodshed and violence.
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