Imphal: Manipur is in turmoil after a tribal rally in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district turned violent on Wednesday night.
Thousands of agitators took part in the rally, leading to clashes between tribals and non-tribals, as violence spread to other districts, said a senior police official.
So grave is the situation that boxing great MC Mary Kom has urged the Central government to help douse the fire.
“My state Manipur is burning, kindly help,” the Olympic medallist and six-time World champion tweeted on Thursday, sharing pictures of the violence, and tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
My state Manipur is burning, kindly help @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @republic @ndtv @IndiaToday pic.twitter.com/VMdmYMoKqP
— M C Mary Kom OLY (@MangteC) May 3, 2023
Appealing citizens to maintain peace, Mary said: “I am not feeling good about the situation In Manipur. Since last night the situation has deteriorated. I appeal to state & Central government to take steps to maintain peace and security in the state. It is unfortunate that some people lost their family members in this violence. This situation must get normal at the earliest.”
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh lamented the loss of lives and properties, though details of casualties and damage were not provided by the government.
The chief minister said that the violence was the result of a misunderstanding and lack of communication between two communities in the state.
The Army and Assam Rifles were deployed last night itself, to help state police arrest the violence.
Over 5,000 people have been rescued from violence-hit areas and given shelter, a Defence spokesperson said, adding that more people are being shifted to safer places.
“Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control,” he said.
The state government suspended internet for five days to tackle the worsening law and order situation.
The violence broke out during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
