Security forces have been tightened and curfew has been extended after a fresh incident of violence erupted in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Monday, May 22. The chief minister said that an ex-MLA and two other people have been tracked down in connection with the violence and have now been arrested. The curfew which was recently relaxed till 4 pm was reimposed after 1 pm in view of the latest unrest.
Ex-MLA arrested
Among the three people tracked by the Assam Rifles and later handed over to the state police, one person has been identified as an ex-MLA. The three armed men threatened shopkeepers to shut down in New Chekon, said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh. The situation has now been brought under control, said the Manipur CM, adding three shotguns have been recovered.
Meanwhile, the locals have another tale to tell. Some locals from the Kuki community have denied the violence on the accused’s part saying they went to hold peaceful talks with the shopkeepers. In several social media posts, the Kuki community claimed that men went to speak with the shopkeepers to consider the sensitive situation and leave the market temporarily for their own safety. They also claimed that the guns recovered were licensed and have now been given to the police when demanded.
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Ethnic violence in Manipur
The spate of ethnic violence has claimed over 70 lives in the last month, triggering an exodus to the mountain status of 3.6 million people. While the Kuki community is abandoning their home in the valley regions, the Meitei community is leaving hills amid the clashes.
The Kuki community has been protesting against Meitei’s demand for the Scheduled Tribe status. Amid the clashes, the army and paramilitary forces have been camping in the state.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured of action against those involved in the violence after he met with the representatives of both communities.
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