Manipur: Fresh Clash Erupts, Curfew Reinstated as Houses Set On Fire in Checkon

IMPHAL: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur after skirmishes broke out on May 22. The Meitei and Kuki communities were involved in the skirmishes, which took place in the New Checkon neighborhood of the state capital Imphal. A disagreement about available space in a nearby market is thought to trigger violence. Authorities quickly enacted a curfew after hearing allegations of fires in the neighborhood.

According to a report, clashes erupted this morning in Imphal's New Checkon Bazaar area. Arson incidents occurred, and three persons were detained for their apparent involvement.

According to news agency PTI, military soldiers positioned in the region rushed to the scene and used the required measures, including the use of force and the deployment of teargas shells, to disperse the gathering. As a result, a small number of people suffered minor injuries.

To maintain control over the situation, the Army and paramilitary troops have been called in. Following reports of arson, the state curfew was reinstated from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Previously, the curfew was reduced from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The internet service restriction has been extended for another five days after the state reported incidents such as arson of residences and premises.

On the other hand, violence flared earlier this month when tribals organized a solidarity march on May 3 to protest the Meiteis' desire for Scheduled Tribe (ST) membership. The violence, which lasted more than a week, claimed the lives of more than 70 people and destroyed property worth crores. As a result, thousands of people were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in government-run camps.

Furthermore, The Meitei Youth Organisation submitted a memorandum to India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, requesting that his intervention immediately stop the demolition of Meitei houses in Churachandpur.

The NGO claimed in the memorandum that the government is utilizing heavy pieces of machinery such as JCBs and explosives to demolish every last structure and landmark in Churachandpur's Meetei colonies.

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