One of India’s must-visit destinations, Manipur is a hill state which is known for its culture and simple living. A state which would have opened its arms to tourists from all over the world is now burning in the rage of its own local tribes. The history of suspicions amidst the tribe has brewed from the past and turned into havoc for the whole region.
Some recent incidents have even left the government in terror when Union Minister RK Ranjan’s residence got burnt in the rage of the mob. As per sources, By June 14 the clash of tribes led resulted in the killing of 98 people and has left 300+ others left wounded.
The mob is turning so fierce that even the officials are being attacked. It was stated that In a recent and absolutely unprovoked firing led to injuring an army officer. This has been the state of Manipur which is a popular location for slow travelers. The 45 days stretched horror of burning anger even led to a curfew, which accordingly has to be uplifted to let people have food and other necessary supplies.
The Cause of Violence
Meity and Nagas, which comprises the people living in Manipur. A long dispute between these two tribes has left a lasting state of terror in the state. Approximately 53% of the population are Meiteis, a Hindu group that also includes Muslims, Buddhists, and Sanamahi followers. Approximately 40% of the state's 3.5 million inhabitants are tribal Kukis and Nagas. These meities even dominate politically in Manipur’s legislative assembly and have 39 seats out of 60 in the Assembly. Other tribes like Nagas and Kukis have 19 reserved for them. In 2023, the local government began making efforts to remove the illegal immigrants that have been settling in the region since1970s.
The violence took place on 3 May, residences and churches of the mostly Kuki Tribal population were attacked in the non-tribal areas. As per sources, many houses of the residing tribal population in Imphal got attacked. This made approx. 500 occupants were displaced and take shelter near Lamphelpat. About 1000 Meiteis were affected by the violence and also had to relocate from the region and take shelter in near Bishnupur.
Views, Opinions, and Rescue Forces
In such a recent mob attack, RK Ranjan whose home got torched in the midst of the growing anger of locals. Ranjan who iis Union Minister of State and External Affairs has called the law and order maintained by the Manipur Government ‘a total failure’. The Scheduled Tribes in Manipur believe that living alongside the Meity Hindus is as good as death for them. With the Violence at its peak, Most People have begun believing that Separation is the only cure.
As per a very relevant article published by Guardian, A man wasn’t able to find rice to donate to those who were starving. A volunteer named John Mamang commented that the situation is similar to that in the civil war.
This state-wide tension has even turned oppositions and parties to throw political bombs on the central government. People are demanding Prime Minister to halt the far-stretched situation by speaking up and taking certain actions against the same.
(The article will be updated on the basis of news and further remarks on the same)
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