The Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to control the situation in Manipur where violence broke out during a tribal agitation, a defence spokesperson said on May 4.
So far, 4,000 people were rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas, and given shelter, he said, adding that more people are being shifted to safer places.
The Army and Assam Rifles were requisitioned in the night, and along with the State police, the forces arrested the violence by the morning, the spokesperson said.
"Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control," he said.
CM appeals for peace and harmony
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on May 4 appealed to the people to cooperate with the government in maintaining peace and harmony of the State.
Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga wrote to his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh seeking the kind of leadership he is capable of to end the “mindless” violence between Meitei people and Tribals. Such violence makes things worse in the two States grappling with the political situation in Myanmar and Bangladesh, besides the effect of COVID-19, Mr. Zoramthanga said
The violence broke out on May 3 during 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Thousands of agitators took part in the rally, during which clashes between tribals and non-tribals broke out, a senior police officer said.
Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, the officer said.
Agitated youths were seen gathering at Canchipur in Imphal West district and Soibam Leikai in Imphal East in the Valley calling for retaliation, the official said.
In view of the situation, curfew was imposed in non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur districts and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts.
Mobile internet services were suspended across the State for five days.
Mary Kom seeks Centre’s help
Meamwhille, boxing great M.C. Mary Kom on May 4 urged the Centre to help control the violence that broke out in Manipur.
“My State Manipur is burning, kindly help,” the veteran boxer tweeted in the early hours, sharing photos of the violence, and tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
