As tribal protests broke out across Manipur, the Indian government deployed the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles to maintain law and order. They conducted a flag march to deter further violent breakouts.
Security Situation in Manipur
Amid reports of violence in Imphal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi, a curfew was declared in eight districts in Manipur. Authorities also suspended internet services across the state to prevent any disruptions to law and order.
Meanwhile, 7,500 civilians were shifted to army camps or government offices for protection. The army said in a statement that the civilians were rescued after a “relentless” security and rescue operation to ensure the “well-being and safety of the population of Manipur.”
Against this backdrop, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, reassuring him of the central government’s support to contain the violence.
#WATCH | Indian Army & Assam Rifles undertook major rescue operations to evacuate more than 7,500 civilians of all communities relentlessly throughout the night to restore law & order in Manipur.
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2023
(Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/SXtR7rjsE1
Court Order Instigates Protests
The protests were organised in response to a recent court order directing the state government to consider the non-tribal Meiteis community’s demand for a Schedule Tribe status. As a result, the All Tribal Student Union Manipur launched the “Tribal Solidarity March” in Torbung. During the rally, non-tribals and tribals broke out into violent clashes.
As protestors burnt tires and other objects, the security forces retaliated with tear gas, seeking to disperse the crowds.
In another security breach, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh’s address was cancelled after the venue was vandalised.
Singh later called on residents to maintain peace and harmony, highlighting that the violence resulted from a “prevailing misunderstanding between two sections of [the] society.”
My state Manipur is burning, kindly help @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @republic @ndtv @IndiaToday pic.twitter.com/VMdmYMoKqP
— M C Mary Kom OLY (@MangteC) May 3, 2023
About 40% of Manipur’s population comprises Tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis.
The Meitei community comprises 53% of the state’s population, primarily concentrated in the Manipur valley. They approached the court, claiming that their community is facing a threat due to “large-scale illegal immigration by Myanmarese and Bangladeshis.”
The Schedule Tribe Demand Committee Manipur, which is leading the Meitei’s movement, said they seek the status to protect their “ancestorial land, culture, and identity,” which is being threatened by illegal immigration.
However, opponents argue that granting the Scheduled Tribe status to Meitei will enable them to get most of the reservations. As a result, it will deprive the tribal community of access to government jobs and educational institutions.