Fresh clashes in Manipur; central forces summoned; curfew imposed

Guwahati: Fresh clashes flared in violence-hit Manipur on Monday afternoon, leading to the summoning of army and paramilitary forces. The Meitei and the Kuki communities rose against each other once again at the New Checkon area in Imphal, NDTV reported, adding that fresh clashes were stirred over space in a local market.

After reports of arson, a curfew has been imposed here.

For weeks, BJP-ruled Manipur has been experiencing ethnic clashes over multiple issues.

Early in May, clashes erupted after tribals organised a solidarity march on May 3 to protest against the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribe status. In the deadly conflict, more than 70 people died, and properties worth crores were damaged. Thousands were made to leave their homes before they took shelter in camps set up by the state administration.

Before the violent clashes, there was tension after the Kuki villagers were evicted from reserve forest land. The action caused a series of smaller protests.

Meities are 64 per cent of the state's total population, but they occupy only 10 per cent of the land. Non-tribals are not allowed to buy land in notified hill areas. But if they were included in the ST category, they could buy land, and this upset the tribals.

According to the Kuki community's allegations, the BJP government in the state is targeting them, evicting them from forests and their homes in the hills. The government's purported war against drugs is also a trick to remove them from their homes, they alleged.

In Manipur, army and paramilitary troops are camping, running regular patrols and aiding civilians.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that strict action would be taken against those involved in the violence. He met with the representatives of the warring communities, NDTV reported.