Shah tells CM to take stern action against law breakers
Manipur: Violence erupted in Manipur again on Monday after a few weeks of lull.
Ethnic clashes broke out in the Chekan area of Imphal where army and paramilitary forces were called and the curfew was reimposed.
According to the police, there was an altercation between Meities and the Kukis in Chekan Market. Immediately after that, both the groups used sticks and rods to attack each other. A few shops were set on fire.
The incidents of violence took place after All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) took out a procession. Seventy-three people were killed in the clash between Meitis, Kukis and a few other tribal groups.
More than 300 people were injured and over 25,000 people were rendered homeless.
The Manipur High Court asked the government to consider giving Scheduled Tribe status to Meitis.
The tribal organisations began to protest against the HC directive to the government. The agitation ultimately led to violence in the BJP-ruled north-east state.
Since the BJP’s central leadership was busy in Karnataka where assembly election was recently held, they kept mum over the issue.
Now that the election is over, Union Home Minister Amit Shah intervened in the issue for the first time on Monday. He held a meeting with Chief Minister of Manipur Biren Singh and directed him to take stern action against those who were involved in violence.
He also advised Singh to hold a meeting with the leaders of Meitei and Kuki organizations and maintain peace in the state.
