Manipur has witnessed violence ever since ethnic clashes broke out more than a year ago
Manipur Governor Meets Home Minister Shah
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah here. Manipur continues to witness intermittent violence ever since ethnic clash broke out more than a year ago.
Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
Since then, over 220 people belonging to both Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel have been killed in the continuing violence. Several civil bodies comprising from Nagaland and Manipur have submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah and requested him to deport illegal Myanmar immigrants.
Illegal Immigrants From Myanmar
The letter highlighted that around 5,457 illegal immigrants from Myanmar are taking shelter in eight Tangkhul villages in Manipur’s Kamjong district adjoining Myanmar and they have outnumbered the local residents. “There is a significant lack of law enforcement to manage the rising anti-social activities, and the influx of foreign culture has threatened local customary practices,” the memorandum mentioned.
According to reports the memorandum was submitted by the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union (NWU), All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPM-HR).
Manipur Violence
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts. Addressing a gathering of RSS trainees in Nagpur, he said, “Manipur is waiting for peace for the last one year. There was peace in Manipur 10 years ago. It felt like gun culture had finished there. But the state has suddenly seen violence.” On June 10, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over peace eluding Manipur even after one year and said the situation in the strife-torn north eastern state must be considered with priority.
