Violent clashes erupted in Manipur after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. The march was held in opposition to the demand that the Meitei community be included in the list of the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST). The Manipur High Court’s recent order boosting the demand had sparked protests by the tribal communities.
The clashes began on May 3 and intensified overnight with counter-attacks being mounted by rival communities in retaliation to earlier attacks. The violence escalated throughout the state, leading to an ‘shoot at sight’ order being issued by the Governor on May 4. The order stated that magistrates could issue the order when persuasion, warning, and reasonable force “have been exhausted and the situation could not be controlled.”
The army and Assam Rifles carried out flag marches in the areas hit by the violence, including Khuga, Tampa, Khomaujanbba areas of Churachandpur, Mantripukhri, Lamphel, Koeirangi area of Imphal Valley, and Sugnu in Kakching district. The forces rescued around 9,000 people from the violence-hit areas and provided shelter, and more people are being shifted to safer places.
The ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized by the ATSUM in the ten hill districts of the state on May 3 to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who account for 53% of the state’s population, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The march was organized by tribals who account for about 40% of the state’s population. The HC had asked the state to send a recommendation to the Centre within four weeks on the demand for ST status by the Metei community.
The clashes have underlined the deep divide between the tribal and non-tribal communities in Manipur, with the demand for ST status being a contentious issue. The state government has urged all communities to maintain peace and harmony, and the forces are conducting flag marches to keep the situation under control.