8 more deaths in last 3 days in Manipur
SC said- governments should deliver food and medicines to the affected; If needed, get air dropping of ration done
Bhavika Nandwana
Follow Us
New Delhi : Manipur is on fire once again. The violence that started on August 29 still continues in the buffer zone on the border of Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. In the last three days, 8 people have died. 18 people are seriously injured in the violence. Tribal organization ITLF has announced a bandh in Churachandpur. The Army says that women's organizations are not allowing them to move further into the violence-hit areas.
On the other hand, on Friday i.e. September 1, the Supreme Court directed the Central and Manipur governments to provide food, medicines and basic goods to the violence affected people. The bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala asked the government to deal with the blockade of different organizations on its own. Also advised air dropping of ration in the affected areas as an option. The next hearing of the case will be on 6 September.
Kuki singer died in the violence that erupted in the past
Violent clashes broke out on Thursday between Meitei and Kuki attackers in Khoirantak, Chingpei, Khoshubang and Narayansena. During this period, five people died in mortar attacks and firing. Among the dead is Manipur's famous Kuki singer Mangaboi Lungdim, who wrote and sang the song 'Ai Gam Hilau Ham' (Is this not our land) after the violence broke out in May.
Army has been deployed in violence-hit Churachandpur and Bishnupur. Right now CRPF and Assam Rifles were deployed in the buffer zone here.
2 people were killed in the firing on August 29
There was firing between two groups on August 29 at Bishnupur-Churachandpur border in Manipur. Two volunteers of the Village Defense Force were killed in this. There 7 people were injured. In Naransina, the attackers opened fire on farmers working in the fields. In response, the volunteers also started firing.
The deceased were identified as Laibujam Inao and Jangminlen Ganget. Laibujam was shot at Naransina in Bishnupur. He died during treatment at a hospital in Imphal. While Jangminlen was injured during a clash in Songdo village of Churachandpur. Later he also died.
On August 28, 2 people of the banned group were arrested.
The Manipur Police on August 28 arrested one active cadre each of the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), the political wing of the banned insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and two over-ground cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). The worker was arrested.
During the search operation in Imphal East and Bishnupur, 6 arms, 5 ammunition and 2 explosives were recovered. The police had informed about this on 29 August. Security forces also said that there was firing in other areas of the state.
More than 160 deaths in ongoing violence since May 3
The violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the state since May 3 has resulted in over 160 deaths. During the hearing of this matter in the Supreme Court, the Center had told that 6 thousand 523 FIRs have been registered in Manipur. Of these, 11 cases are related to violence against women and children. The Supreme Court had said on August 7 that 42 Special Investigation Teams (SIT) will investigate cases related to violence in Manipur.
More than 65 thousand people left their homes after the violence
So far more than 160 people have died in the violence. At the same time, more than 6 thousand people have been injured. More than 65 thousand people have left their homes. There have been more than 5 thousand incidents of arson. Six thousand cases have been registered and 144 people have been arrested. 36 thousand security personnel and 40 IPS have been deployed in the state. A total of 129 outposts have been set up in both the hill and valley districts.
Know in 4 points, the reason for Manipur violence...
The population of Manipur is about 38 lakhs. There are three major communities here – Meitei, Naga and Kuki. Meitei are mostly Hindu. The Nga-Kuki follow Christianity. Belongs to ST category. Their population is about 50%. Imphal Valley, spread over about 10% of the state's area, is dominated by the Meitei community. The population of Naga-Kuki is about 34 percent. These people live in about 90% of the state's area.
1. How the controversy started: The Meitei community is demanding that they too be given the status of a tribe. The community petitioned the Manipur High Court for this. The community argued that Manipur had merged with India in 1949. Before that they had got the status of tribe only. After this, the High Court recommended to the state government that Meitei be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
2. What is the argument of Meitei: The people of Meitei tribe believe that years ago their kings had called the Kukis from Myanmar to fight the war. After that they became permanent residents. These people cut the forest for employment and started cultivating opium. This has made Manipur a triangle of drug smuggling. All this is happening openly. He formed an arms group to fight the Naga people.
3. Why the Naga-Kukis are against: The other two tribes are against giving reservation to the Meitei community. They say that 40 of the state's 60 assembly seats are already in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley. In such a situation, by getting reservation for Meitei in the ST category, their rights will be divided.
4. What are the political equations: Out of 60 MLAs of Manipur, 40 MLAs are from Meitei and 20 MLAs are from Naga-Kuki tribe. So far only two out of 12 CMs have been from the tribe.
