Manipur Violence: Hundreds flee state after Article 355 Imposed by Government

Digital Desk: The Central Government imposed Article 355 in Manipur on Friday in response to significant agitation in the state. Notably, Article 355 is an emergency clause that authorizes the Centre to take all necessary steps to safeguard a state from internal unrest and external hostility.

Additionally, The DGP, propelled by the implementation of the special provision, stated that "the situation in Manipur is expected to be brought under control in a day or two." However, as of Friday, the situation remained dire, with occasional gunfights reported in the morning hours from several hill communities surrounding the valley.

Unfortunately, besieged communities were seen departing Manipur; violence between the majority of Meiteis and tribals over the former's quest for ST status had uprooted thousands.

The administration of Meghalaya has already stated that it is preparing to evacuate its citizens, including students. Several families fleeing the violence have sought safety in Assam. According to ANI, around 1000 people from the state have sought refuge in Assam's Cachar district.

Throughout the night, the Indian Air Force flew continuous flights from two airfields in Assam to help in the evacuation of citizens from damaged regions.

According to the ADGP, nearly 20,000 individuals have been evacuated.

The ethnic violence that has engulfed Manipur in recent days has been rumbling for some time, as there is a long history of mutual suspicion between ethnic groups in Imphal valley and its surrounding hills; the anger and deep-seated animosity turned into a simmering conflict after the BJP-led Manipur government began a drive to evict tribal villagers from reserved forests.

Meanwhile, all trains to Manipur have been cancelled immediately, and internet connections have been suspended.

The violence continues to escalate as two shopping malls in Imphal were vandalized and set on fire by an enraged mob on Thursday evening. A mob assaulted a three-time tribal MLA, who is said to be in critical condition. 

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