IMPHAL: At least 23,000 people have fled in India’s northeast state of Manipur where at least 54 people have lost their lives in one week in ethnic unrest.
Skirmishes were triggered after a tribal group’s protest march last week, which resulted in vehicles and homes being lit and the authorities using tear gas.
The tribals are opposing the government’s plan to recognise Meitei community as a “Scheduled Tribe”.
In addition to ordering “shoot at sight” in “extreme cases,” the military has also restricted internet access and sent hundreds of soldiers to the state that borders Myanmar.
A curfew was lifted between 7 and 10 am in Churachandpur district, one of the primary flashpoint locations, according to the army on Sunday, who also noted that no significant flare-ups were recorded overnight, according to AFP.
“Past 24 hours also witnessed Army significantly enhancing surveillance efforts through aerial surveillance, movement of UAVs & redeployment of Army Helicopters within Imphal Valley,” it said, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.
“Past 24 hours also witnessed Army significantly strengthening surveillance efforts through aerial surveillance, the movement of UAVs & redeployment of Army Helicopters within Imphal Valley,” the statement said. “Total of 23,000 civilians have been rescued till now & were moved to own operating bases/military Garrisons,” it added.
Hospital mortuaries in Churachandpur and Imphal reported a total of 54 fatalities, but authorities have not released an official death toll.
Tribal groups are unhappy about the prospect of the state’s majority Meitei community being recognised under a “Scheduled Tribe” category.
This designation would give them a certain quota of government jobs and college admissions in a form of affirmative action aimed at addressing structural inequality and discrimination.
India’s northeast has seen decades of unrest among ethnic and separatist groups seeking more autonomy or even secession from India, with at least 50,000 people killed in Manipur since the 1950s.
These conflicts have waned over the years, with many groups striking deals with New Delhi for more powers.
The idea of the majority Meitei people in the state being designated as a “Scheduled Tribe” has angered tribal organisations.
In an effort to combat systemic inequality and prejudice, they would be granted a specific number of government positions and college admissions as a result of this classification.
With at least 50,000 people dead in Manipur since the 1950s, ethnic and separatist parties demanding greater autonomy or possibly independence from India have caused decades of violence in India’s northeast.
Over time, these disputes have subsided as several communities have reached agreements with New Delhi for increased authority.
