Manipur Violence: Death toll rises to 52! Why has the violence flared up? What is demand?

Many people have lost their lives in Manipur violence, so why has violence erupted in the state between Meiteis and Kukis? What is demand?

At least 52 people have died so far following violent clashes between the Meiti and Kuki communities in Manipur on Wednesday, senior officials from three hospitals informed The Indian Express. In Churachandpur, seven of these deaths occurred on Friday, including incidents of security personnel allegedly firing on people during an attempt to evacuate Meitei community members from the area.

According to the chief medical officer of the Churachandpur district hospital, 12 bodies have been brought to the mortuary since the outbreak of violence on May 3, three of which were brought after the Friday evening firing.

Where did the violence start?

The All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on Wednesday organized a rally called ‘Adijati Ekta March’ to protest the demand for inclusion of the Meiti community in the ST category. Violent clashes took place at various places in Manipur during this rally. Army personnel have been deployed in many areas to control the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren and took stock of the situation.

What caused the outbreak of violence?

On Wednesday (May 3), the All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) announced the march. The walk was taken out in protest against the long-standing demand to include the Meitei community in the ST category. Which got a boost from the Manipur High Court order last month.

Why Meiti community wants ST status?

Since 2012, there has been a concerted effort to support this demand. A recent petition was filed before the Manipur High Court by the Meite Janjati Sangh, requesting the Manipur government to recommend and direct the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs to include the Meitei/Meiti community in the list of Scheduled Tribes.