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| At least 54 killed in ethnic riots in Manipur, govt appeals for talks |
According to authorities in the Indian state of Manipur, at least 54 people have died as a result of ethnic riots.
According to the Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), authorities say that at least 54 people have been killed after ethnic riots in the northeastern state of Manipur, but unofficial sources fear more deaths and injuries. Is.
Union Minister Kiran Rijeju has appealed to the people for dialogue while appealing for peace in the state.
The wave of violence in the state began when the local community protested against plans to grant tribal status to one of the state's main ethnic groups.
However, the protest turned violent during which mobs attacked houses, vehicles, churches, and temples.
Due to these violent acts, 10 thousand people have been displaced so far. Thousands of personnel have been deployed to maintain peace in the state and a curfew has been imposed in several districts.
According to the news agency ANI, a curfew is in force in the state, which people have been relaxed only on Sunday mornings to buy essential items.
Governor Sushri Anusuya has also called on the people to remain calm and cooperate with his message. He says that the security forces will "take immediate action on the information provided by you."
Internet supply has also been suspended in these districts.
Governments of the neighboring states of Manipur, located in India's northeast near the Myanmar border, have started trying to evacuate their own students.
India's army says the situation is being brought under control, but the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in Manipur has been accused of not doing enough to stop the violence.
It may be noted that the Meti community of Manipur state, which constitutes about 50% of the total population, had been demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category for many years.
In India, the government allocates quotas for government jobs, college admissions, and seats in each state's government assembly to correct historical wrongs and provide equal opportunities for different groups under this category.
If the Meti community also gets this status, they can get government jobs and share in educational institutions as well as access to forest land.
But other tribes fear that they may lose their native forests as a result.
On Tuesday, thousands of people belonging to different tribes protested against the demand of the Meti community organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur.
However, a day later, the protest turned violent, after which unrest spread in other districts as well.
Both sides are accusing each other of taking the initiative.