Manipur violence: Internet service suspended, trains cancelled; Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, AP increase rescue efforts

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• May 5, 2023 | Dhupali Das

As violence erupts in the northeastern state of Manipur between the majority Meitei community and tribals, the...

Digital Desk: As violence erupts in the northeastern state of Manipur between the majority Meitei community and tribals, the Northwestern Frontier Railway (NFR) has stopped all trains to Manipur. Neighbouring states, including Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and Nagaland, have also increased rescue and evacuation efforts.

The All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) conducted a Tribal Solidarity March in 10 hill districts on Wednesday to protest the Meitis' demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. Notably, 53% of the people living in the state are Meitis.

The conflict started on April 28, the day of chief minister Biren Singh's visit to Churachandpur, when Manipur's tribal groups demanded a 12-hour shutdown in protest of the state government's survey on reserved forests and displacement from villages.

Here's all you need to know about the most recent developments in Manipur:

1. Due to a breakdown of law and order, the Northeast Frontier Railway stopped all Manipur-bound trains. "No trains are entering Manipur until the situation improves. The decision was made after the Manipur government urged the suspension of train service," NF Railway CPRO Sabyasachi De told news agency ANI. Four trains have been cancelled for the 5th and 6th of May.

2. Due to the continuous unrest, internet services have now been suspended throughout the northeastern state.

3. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh of his complete support. Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, "Several families affected by the recent incidents in Manipur have sought refuge in Assam. I have requested the District Administration of Cachar to take care of these families. I am also in constant communication with CM N Biren Singh & have pledged the full support of the Assam government during this hour of crisis".

4. Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said in a tweet that the state government has formed a coordination committee to ensure the safe evacuation of students stranded in Manipur. Students from Arunachal Pradesh who are trapped in Manipur can call the officials in charge at 7086026788 (Dr Dilip, DRC) and 7630090058 (Thutan Jamba, ASP).

5. The Tripura government, led by Dr. Manik Saha, has announced helpline numbers for Tripura citizens in light of the breakdown in Manipur.

6. Tripura residents who have become stuck in Manipur or whose loved ones are stranded in the violence-stricken state can contact the Centre's Emergency Response Support System at 112 or the State Emergency Operation Centre at 1070/0381-2416045/2416241. They can also call the authorities via WhatsApp at 8787676210.

7. On Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vungzagin Valte was attacked by a mob in Imphal. Valte is currently in critical condition and being treated at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).

8. Clashes between Meitis and tribals have been reported in sections of Imphal, Churachandpur, and other regions. The majority ethnic group is Meitis, but Kuki is one of the biggest tribes in the state.

9. Given the deteriorating law and order situation, the Governor of Manipur authorised the state home department's shoot-at-sight order on Thursday.

10. To calm down the widespread unrest, the Army and Assam Rifles have deployed 55 columns in Manipur. As of Thursday, the Army and the paramilitary forces had jointly evacuated 9,000 people.

11. The Army also staged flag marches to bring the situation under control. Apart from that, the Army will conduct operations to induct additional columns from Guwahati and Tezpur tonight.

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