Devastating Violence in Manipur Claims 60 Lives, Injures 231, and Leaves 1,700 Homes in Ruins

On May 3, 2023, ethnic violence broke out in Manipur, a northeastern state in India, after a protest march organized by the Kuki tribal group led to clashes with the Meitei non-tribal group, causing widespread damage to properties and vehicles. As of May 9, at least 60 people have been killed, 231 injured, and 1,700 houses burnt down in the violence, which has displaced over 2,000 people from Manipur. Most of them have taken refuge in neighbouring Mizoram, with the number of internally displaced people from Manipur expected to rise to 23,000. The military has been deployed, and "shoot-at-sight" orders have been issued to quell the violence. The situation in Manipur remains tense, with a curfew imposed in nine out of the 16 districts and internet connectivity cut off. The unrest in Manipur state has opened a new fault line in a region with a checkered history of ethnic violence.

Some key points about the violence in Manipur:

• 60 people have been killed, 231 injured, and 1,700 houses burnt down.
• The violence was triggered by a protest march organized by the Kuki tribal group.
• The All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) held a solidarity march in all districts opposing the recent Manipur High Court order, which had asked the Manipur State government to send a recommendation to the Centre regarding the demand to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
• Over 2,000 people from Manipur have fled to neighbouring Mizoram and taken refuge there.
• Authorities have issued "shoot-at-sight" orders and called military reinforcement to quell the violence.
• Internet connectivity has been cut off, and a curfew has been imposed in nine out of the 16 districts.
• The situation in Manipur remains tense, and the military has significantly enhanced its surveillance in violence-affected areas.
• The number of internally displaced people from Manipur is expected to rise to 23,000.

The violence in Manipur has created a humanitarian crisis, with people forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. The situation remains precarious, and there are concerns about the potential for the violence to escalate further. The Indian government and authorities must take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all those affected by the violence.