Army deployed, 4000 rescued, Internet shut off. What is happening in Manipur?

The Army and Assam Rifles personnel were deployed in several districts in Manipur after violence broke out during a march, a defence spokesperson said on Thursday (May 4).

"So far, 4,000 people were rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas, and more people are being shifted to safer places," an official told PTI.

"Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control," the official said.

#WATCH | Indian Army & Assam Rifles undertook major rescue operations to evacuate more than 7,500 civilians of all communities relentlessly throughout the night to restore law & order in Manipur.

(Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/SXtR7rjsE1

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2023

What happened?

The violence broke out on Wednesday (May 3) during the 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung area of Churachandpur district. They were protesting against the demand of non-tribal Meiteis to get the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

ATSUM said that they had organised the rally to express dissent to the demands of the Meitei community for its inclusion in the ST category gaining momentum.

As per reports, many protesters were seen burning tires and other objects in Torbung Village of Churachandpur district. Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, an officer told PTI.

Curfew was imposed in non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur districts and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts.

#WATCH | Since 24 hours, some incidents of clashes & vandalism have been reported in some places. These incidents are a result of a prevailing misunderstanding b/w two sections of our society. The state govt is taking all steps to control the situation: Manipur CM N Biren Singh pic.twitter.com/YEwiN2ynJm

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2023

"Since 24 hours, some incidents of clashes and vandalism have been reported in some places. These incidents are a result of a prevailing misunderstanding between two sections of our society. The state government is taking all steps to control the situation," CM N Biren Singh said.

Issues that led to the situation

The current situation is a result of two issues in the state. The recent steps taken up by N Biren Singh government in Manipur to protect the forests have faced major resistance from a section of tribal communities. Due to widespread poppy plantations, which has been happening for the last 15-20 years, there has been a lot of deforestation in the state, reported ANI.

Few days back, a mob had vandalised and set on fire the venue where Manipur CM N Biren Singh was scheduled to hold a programme in Churachandpur district.Tension gripped the district following protests and arson in New Lamka town in Churachandpur district over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest areas, reported India Today.

The High Court's recent direction to the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei in ST has also led to an outburst from the tribal community who are ST. And the recent case of violence is the direct result of it. Thousands of people had turned up at the Tribal Solidarity March on Wednesday called by a student body in all the ten hill districts of the state.

The students union is saying that the lawmakers of the valley areas are openly endorsing the Meitei demand and there is a need for appropriate measures to collectively protect the tribal interests.

Mobile internet suspended

The Manipur government has suspended the mobile internet across the state for the next five days and clamped curfew under Section 144 CrPC in various districts. The "Internet services suspended in Manipur for five days amid incidents of fighting among youths, and volunteers of different communities as a rally was organised by All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) Manipur in protest against the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST category," the statement from government said.

My state Manipur is burning, kindly help @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @republic @ndtv @IndiaToday pic.twitter.com/VMdmYMoKqP

— M C Mary Kom OLY (@MangteC) May 3, 2023

Social media played a role?

According to a statement from the government, some anti-social elements have been using social media extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages.

"Some anti-social elements are using social media extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public. Social media has also become a handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to incite the general public," the statement read.

Amit Shah speaks to Biren Singh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh and took stock of the situation. Shah assured all possible help to the violence-hit state from the Central government.

After the talk, it was decided that additional forces would be deployed in Manipur. This force will be deployed in Manipur from nearby states.