By New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said the situation in Manipur was under control as curfew remained in force in the violence-hit northeastern state. He also appealed to the people to maintain the peace.
Speaking exclusively to India Today/Aaj Tak, Shah assured that the Manipur government would consult all stakeholders before taking a decision on the matter of Scheduled Tribe-status for the Meitei community.
The home minister’s reaction comes as a tenuous calm prevails in Manipur after days of arson and mayhem that left 54 dead and forced thousands of people to evacuate from the conflict-hit zones. More than 23,000 displaced people are currently sheltering in army camps.
The unrest in Manipur state erupted on Wednesday, May 3, after a protest march organised by the Kuki tribal group sparked clashes with the non-tribal Meitei community.
Mobs of people have burned cars and buildings, vandalised shops and hotels, and destroyed churches across various districts like Churachandpur, Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal, and Kangpokpi. Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to rein in the clashes. As the violence spiraled, the state government issued shoot-at-sight orders.
