On Monday, responding to renewed violence in Manipur, the state government decided to reinstate curfew measures in the Thoubal and Imphal West districts of the northeastern state.
Local reports indicated clashes between unidentified armed individuals and locals in the Lilong area of Thoubal district on Monday evening. The police reported that four individuals lost their lives during the confrontations, and their bodies are still awaiting recovery. According to eyewitnesses, the armed individuals indiscriminately opened fire at civilians.
In response to the escalating violence, the authorities reimposed restrictions in Thoubal and Imphal West districts. The District Magistrate of Imphal West's office released an order, stating, "Due to the developing of law-and-order condition in the district and to prevent any untoward incidents and also loss of life and property and further as a precautionary measure, the curfew relaxation order dated 31'st December 2023 stands canceled and a full curfew is imposed in all areas of Imphal West District with immediate effect."
Subsequently, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh addressed the residents of Lilong in a video message, urging them to refrain from causing more violence and emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility. He assured that stringent action would be taken against the perpetrators and pledged to deploy additional police forces in the area to apprehend those responsible.
It's noteworthy that Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' opposing the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The tensions were exacerbated by disputes over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserved forest land, resulting in a series of smaller agitations. The Meiteis constitute about 53 percent of Manipur's population, residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, while Nagas and Kukis, the tribal communities, make up about 40 percent, residing in the hill districts. The ethnic clashes have claimed over 180 lives, prompting the deployment of around 10,000 army and paramilitary personnel to restore normalcy in the northeastern state.
