The Unrest In Manipur: 'Tribal Solidarity March' Takes A Violent Turn, Army And Assam Rifles Deployed, Mobile Internet Suspended For Five Days
- Posted on May 4, 2023
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 361 Views
Tension Boils
Over in Manipur as 'Tribal Solidarity March' Descends into Violence
The usually peaceful region of Manipur in India was thrown
into chaos when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized by All Tribal Student
Union Manipur (ATSUM) turned violent. The march was a response to the demand
for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by non-tribal Meiteis who dominate the Imphal
Valley.
As the march progressed, violent confrontations erupted between members of the tribal and non-tribal communities, prompting law enforcement to deploy tear gas in an attempt to quell the unrest. The violence has highlighted the underlying tension between tribals and non-tribals in the region, as well as the complex issue of ST status in India.
Military
intervene in Manipur chaos as agitated youths call for retaliation
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles were called in to control
the situation and have already rescued 4,000 people from the affected areas,
sheltering them. The spokesperson for the defense department said that more
people are being shifted to safer places, and the situation is being monitored
with flag marches to keep things under control.
However, agitated youths are reportedly gathering in
various places and calling for retaliation, raising concerns about the
escalation of violence.
ST Status
Sparks Debate: Is the Indian Government Doing Enough for Equality in Manipur?
The underlying tension between tribals and non-tribals in the region has been a long-standing issue, and the demand for ST status by non-tribals has only exacerbated the situation. The Indian government's policies of granting ST status to certain communities have been criticized for being arbitrary and not addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination.
Curfews and
Internet Shutdown in Manipur as Violence Highlights Need for Lasting Peace
As tensions continue to simmer in Manipur, authorities
have taken strict measures by implementing curfews in multiple areas and
enacting a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services for five days. The
violence highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the
grievances of all communities and ensure lasting peace and harmony in the
region.