An incident like what is happening in Manipur has never occurred in post-independence India. The constitutional mechanism has completely collapsed—60,000 people have been displaced, and the situation is akin to a partition.
Our Prime Minister is more concerned about crises and… pic.twitter.com/48e9IrS5Ie
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 11, 2024
Authorities in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur have imposed an indefinite curfew and suspended internet services in some areas following student protests against ongoing ethnic violence. The clashes between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities have claimed at least nine lives and injured several others in the past 10 days. The unrest, which began in May last year, has resulted in the deaths of around 250 people and the displacement of tens of thousands.
The unprecedented turmoil in Manipur has continued since May 3, 2023, and after September 1, the magnitude of the violence has escalated. The use of highly sophisticated weapons, drones, RPGs, and bombings in various places has resulted in many civilian deaths, while many others… pic.twitter.com/Dchbch7qFU
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 11, 2024
The conflict was triggered by the Meitei community’s demand for special status, which would allow them to purchase land in areas populated by Kukis and other tribal groups. On Tuesday, police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of students attempting to march toward the Manipur governor’s house, demanding the restoration of peace. Student leader Ch Victor Singh said protesters gave Gov.
Had a meeting with the students of Manipur College at my Secretariat office.
We are considering every measure to resolve the unrest at the earliest so that the students can resume their classes peacefully and pursue their academic careers.
The state government gives utmost… pic.twitter.com/8rQxasLN7f
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 9, 2024
Lakshman Prasad Acharya 24 hours to respond to their demands, which include the removal of the top police official and the security adviser due to their failure to control the violence. I.
manipur curfew amid ethnic tensions
K. Muivah, a senior police officer in the state capital of Imphal, urged students to engage in peaceful protests and follow the law. He also mentioned that police were investigating recent drone attacks carried out by armed groups.
The state government announced that internet and mobile data services would be suspended until Sunday to curb the spread of misinformation and hate speech that could trigger more violence. The curfew has been imposed in three districts of Manipur. Despite the presence of a significant number of army personnel and a visit by the home minister last year, the deadly clashes have persisted.
Students have expressed frustration with the authorities’ failure to resolve the 16-month-long conflict. The recent violence has highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian government in maintaining peace and stability in the region, where ethnic tensions have long been a source of conflict.
