New Delhi, 04 May (Hindustan Times). The Indian Army has been called in to control the situation after violence broke out in several districts of Manipur. Army personnel have been deployed in many areas. Internet services are suspended for the next few days as a precautionary measure. Action is underway to shift more and more people to safer areas and restore law and order. So far, about 4 thousand people have been shifted to safer places.
Violence broke out in several districts of Manipur on Wednesday during the tribal agitation, prompting the state government to suspend internet services for the next five days. Apart from this, curfew has been imposed in Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts. It was informed in the order that broadband services are operational in the state.
Manipur Home Minister HG Prakash said that anti-social elements are circulating hate speeches and videos on social media, inciting the public, due to which the government has taken the decision to suspend mobile data services.
Despite this, the army has taken charge on the request of the civil administration to control the deteriorating situation. The Indian Army said in a statement that acting on the request of the administration in Manipur, Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in all the affected areas from the evening of May 3. Steps are being taken to move more and more people from violence affected areas to safer areas and to restore law and order. The Army and the Assam Rifles have stepped in to reduce violence in Manipur. So far 4000 villagers have been given shelter in army and state government premises at various places. Flag march is being done to keep the situation under control.
Why violence broke out
The rally was organized on May 3 to protest against the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST category. The rally was organized by All Tribal Students Union Manipur. During this violence broke out. Protesters have vandalized many houses. Thousands of agitators took part in the rally. During this violence broke out between tribals and non-tribals in the Torbang area. After this, there were reports of violence in many other districts as well. Police fired tear gas shells to control the crowd.
