Army Deployed to Handle Situation in Violence-Hit Manipur, 4,000 People Rescued

GG News Bureau

Imphal, 4th May. The Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to handle the situation in Manipur, where violence erupted during a tribal movement, a defence spokesperson said on Thursday.

So far, 4,000 people were rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas, and given shelter, he said, adding that more people are being shifted to safer places.

The Army and Assam Rifles were requisitioned in the night, and along with the state police, the forces arrested the violence by the morning, the spokesperson said.

“Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control,” he said.

The violence erupted on Wednesday during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ planned by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to oppose the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation by non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley.

Thousands of agitators took part in the rally, during which clashes between tribals and non-tribals broke out, a senior police officer said.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, the officer said.

Agitated youths were seen gathering at Canchipur in Imphal West district and Soibam Leikai in Imphal East in the Valley calling for retaliation, the official said.

Curfews were imposed in tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts, as well as non-tribal-dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, and Bishnupur districts.

For five days, mobile internet services were suspended throughout the state.