Army has been deployed in several parts of Manipur, following violent clashes after a mass rally held by tribal group on Wednesday. The bordering areas of Bishnupur and Churachandpur are more sensitive.
About 4,000 villagers have been shifted to other places. The Army personnel with the local police intervened to control the situation in night. Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control. Violence erupted on Wednesday afternoon during the Tribal Solidarity March organised by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand by non-tribal Meitis for ST status.
The Manipur High Court recommended the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST list of the Constitution of India. Thousands of tribals took part in the rally which saw clashes between the tribals and non-tribals. Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the violent mob. In view of the sensitive situation, a curfew has been imposed in non-tribal-dominated Imphal West, Kakchind, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur districts and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kingpokpi and Tengnoupal districts. Internet services have also been suspended.