Manipur Violence: 3 killed in fresh clashes at Bishnupur; houses burnt

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• Aug 5, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Fresh incidents of violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district late on Friday, resulting in the...

Digital Desk: Fresh incidents of violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district late on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals from the Meitei community and the burning down of several houses belonging to the Kuki community in the Kwakta area. Tensions escalated as heavy firing took place between the Kuki community and security forces. Manipur Police and Commandos were retaliating.

According to reports from Bishnupur Police, three members of the Meitei community lost their lives in the violence, while multiple houses belonging to the Kuki community were set ablaze. The situation turned even more dire as a Manipur commando sustained a head injury during the exchange of gunfire. The injured commando was admitted to Bishnupur hospital for medical treatment. In response to the escalating violence, paramilitary forces have been deployed to the area in an attempt to restore order.

The trigger for these latest clashes appears to have been an incursion into Meitei areas by individuals from another community, reportedly crossing the buffer zone. This action was met with retaliation, leading to the outbreak of violence that has left the district in turmoil. The buffer zone, which is safeguarded by central forces, is situated more than 2 kilometers ahead of the Kwakta area in the Bishnupur district.

Police forces have been dispatched to the affected region to control the situation and bring stability back to the area.

This wave of violence comes merely two days after a clash between armed forces and protesters from the Meitei community. The confrontation, which occurred in the Kangvai and Phougakchao areas of the district, resulted in 17 individuals being injured. In response to the escalating unrest, the authorities in Imphal East and Imphal West had reinstated restrictions, withdrawing earlier curfew relaxations that had been implemented as a precautionary measure.

The confrontation on Thursday emerged as Meitei women attempted to breach a barricaded zone in the district. This attempt was met with resistance from the Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force (RAF), sparking stone-pelting and clashes between the community members and armed forces.

The ongoing violence in Manipur has roots in ethnic tensions that emerged nearly three months ago. Since May 3, more than 160 individuals have tragically lost their lives, and hundreds have sustained injuries. The initial catalyst for the violence was a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in response to the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Manipur's demographics are complex, with Meiteis comprising around 53 percent of the population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, account for 40 percent and inhabit the hill districts. The deep-seated tensions between these communities have led to a series of violent clashes that have left the state reeling and authorities struggling to maintain order.

As the situation remains tense, the local and state authorities are working diligently to quell the violence and establish a sense of calm in the troubled region.