Manipur violence: All-party meet held as security forces send reinforcements amidst ongoing conflict

Imphal/New Delhi, May 07: The Indian state of Manipur has been plagued by violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in recent days. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh called for an all-party meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue, and urged everyone to work together to defuse tensions. 

Reports indicate that sporadic violence continues to occur in certain areas, with some casualties reported by hospitals. On Friday night, security forces engaged with armed locals in Churachandpur, the epicenter of the violence.

In response, 14 companies of security forces have been deployed across Manipur, and the central government is sending 20 more. Approximately 20,000 people, including both Meiteis and Kukis, have been evacuated from the affected areas.

Civil society organizations of both communities have agreed to allow safe passage for those in "hostage situations" or those trapped in areas with high tension. Police have asked citizens to surrender any weapons looted from eight police posts that have been overrun in recent days. Videos circulating on social media appear to show civilians carrying looted weapons and roaming the streets, but the authenticity of these videos cannot be independently verified.

Surveillance in the area has been increased with the use of drones along the border with Myanmar, where valley-based insurgents are reportedly hiding in thick forests.

The situation is complicated by several factors, including Meitei's demand for inclusion under Scheduled Tribes (ST), a classification that could increase government benefits but which the Kukis oppose, fearing it could alter the demographics of the state. Additionally, illegal immigrants crossing over from Myanmar and settling in the hills have been a source of tension between the two communities.

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- With inputs from agencies

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