Ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in at least 55 deaths and forced over 23,000 civilians to seek refuge in operating bases and military Garrisons. The violence was sparked by a proposal to include the Meitei community in the scheduled tribe category, leading to clashes with tribal communities, especially Kukis, residing in the hill districts.
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been called in to restore peace and have increased surveillance efforts using unmanned aerial vehicles and army helicopters. The operation has resulted in no incidents of violence since the rescue operations began, and curfew hours have been relaxed from 7am to 10am.
However, tensions remain high, and at least 1,500 people have fled to the border areas of Assam. The Assam government has set up eight camps to accommodate these refugees and established a peace committee to promote calm and stability in the region.
The situation has drawn criticism from Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who has blamed the BJP for the violence and called for President’s Rule, arguing that the state government is not equipped to handle the crisis.
The ongoing violence in Manipur highlights the challenges facing India in managing ethnic and communal tensions, particularly in regions with a history of conflict. The situation requires a concerted effort by the government and security forces to restore peace and ensure the safety of civilians, while also addressing the underlying causes of the violence and promoting dialogue and reconciliation between communities.