Imphal, May 4: Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Manipur, as reports of clashes and arson continue to pour in across the Northeastern state.
So far, there has been no official confirmation of deaths, injuries, but reports said that there has been massive damages to property across the 10 hill districts against the granting of status to Meities.
The call for widespread protests was given by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The organization protests over the Scheduled Tribe status granted to Meities. Local reports said that protesters burnt a portion of the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial gate in Churachandpur which eventually resulted in clashes between Meiteis and tribals.
The Government has issued “shoot at sight†orders in Manipur, according to news gathering agency Press Trust of India.
Media reports said that churches, houses of tribals, including Kukis, and their businesses were allegedly targeted in Imphal and other non-tribal areas.
Attacks on Meiteis were also reported from areas where they are in a minority.
Meanwhile, a single-judge Manipur high court bench on April 19 had issued directions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government to submit recommendations to the Union government for considering the inclusion of Meiteis on the ST list within four weeks.
The violence in Manipur prompted authorities to place a ban on mobile internet services, the evacuation of over 7,500 people, and the deployment of the army and paramilitary forces.
