Protests in various areas of Manipur valley, including the state capital Imphal, escalated with clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in injuries to many individuals. Authorities resorted to batons and tear gas shells during the confrontations.
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Manipur Today
Protest in valley districts of #Manipur today to demand the release of five “Meitei Militants”.
Civilians Injured and #MeiraPaibis had given a call to fill the jails from today after a previous “48-hour… pic.twitter.com/ntYCMvKDc5— তন্ময় l T͞anmoy l (@tanmoyofc) September 21, 2023
The unrest has been intensifying following the arrest of five men on September 16. These individuals were apprehended while wearing security forces’ uniforms and possessing advanced weaponry.
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The valley areas experienced widespread protests and demonstrations in response to these events. Local residents enforced a 48-hour lockdown to demand the unconditional release of the detained individuals, following an unofficial strike on Monday. This afternoon, women protesters marched to police stations across five valley districts, insisting on the detainees’ unconditional release or their own arrest.
Confrontations between angry demonstrators and law enforcement occurred at various locations, leading to the use of batons and tear gas by the police to disperse crowds. Numerous injuries were reported in these incidents.
Outside the Sinjamei police station, clashes between the mob and the police took place, resulting in the use of tear gas shells by law enforcement. Three individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
Due to the escalating situation, the state administration has rescinded curfew relaxation orders and reinstated prohibitory measures to prohibit large gatherings.
Manipur Violence
Violence in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, has resulted in at least 125 deaths and forced over 40,000 people to flee their homes. The clashes began when the Kuki tribal group clashed with the Meitei, the ethnic majority, over sharing economic benefits and quotas.
The Meitei sought special benefits, and tensions escalated after the Manipur High Court recommended considering their demands. The disparity in development and opportunities between the Meitei in the valley region and the Kukis and Nagas in the hills has been a longstanding point of contention.
Recent events, including the influx of Myanmar refugees and the state government’s drive to evict tribal communities from forests, exposed old faultlines and reignited violence. The presence of arms in both groups and the failure of peace talks with Myanmar leaders have hindered efforts to restore peace in the region.