Fresh violence in Manipur as mob gheraoes police station near CM’s home, cops fire in air | India News
Fresh violence erupts in Manipur
Pic source: PTU
Imphal: A fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Wednesday after a group of people tried to gherao a police station near Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister’s Office in Imphal West district demanding arms. Police fired several rounds in the air to disperse the mob. The group allegedly tried to loot weapons from the 1st Manipur Rifles complex. Following the incident, the authorities reimposed curfew in two districts.
Owing to the developing law and order situation, the Manipur government withdrew the daily curfew relaxation from 5 am to 10 pm in Imphal East and West districts “with immediate effect, according to an official order. “However, movement of persons belonging to essential services such as health, electricity, petrol pumps, schools/colleges, municipality, press and electronic media, and movement of flight passengers to airport and contractor/worker with valid airport entry permit card shall be exempted from the imposition of curfew,” the order reads.
Curfew relaxation order in Imphal West district stands cancelled. However, movement of persons belonging to essential services such as Health, Electricity, PHED, Petrol Pumps, Schools/Colleges, Municipality, Press and Electronic media, functioning of Courts and to and fro… pic.twitter.com/Hv0lUdHtY1
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2023
Tension grips state after Manipur cop’s killing
The incident comes a day after an on-duty sub-divisional police officer at Moreh town was shot dead by tribal militants on Tuesday morning. Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anand sustained a bullet injury after the group of insurgents opened fire at the policemen when they were inspecting the newly constructed helipad at Eastern ground in the border town dominated by Kuki-Zo community people.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed grief over the “cold-blooded” killing and asserted that perpetrators will be brought to justice. He also said the slain police officer’s dedication to serve and protect the people will always be remembered.
Also Read: Manipur: Police officer shot dead by militants, CM Biren Singh calls it ‘cold-blooded’ killing
Why Manipur is witnessing ethnic violence?
Manipur has been on the boil since May and witnessing recurring bouts of violence when ethnic clashes first erupted in the northeastern state. The major flashpoint for the crisis has been a decision to give Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status, which has since been rolled back.
On May 3, a clash broke out between Kukis and Meitis during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ that was organised to protest the demand of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meitei community. Since then, more than 180 people have been killed in the ethnic violence. Meiteis constitute of about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, account for 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts of the state.
Also Read: Manipur Police arrests 5 for carrying weapons, wearing camouflage uniforms
