Meiteis flee Mizoram as Manipur violence spills over, Opposition demands PM Modi speak up
A protester holds a placard during a demonstration in Mumbai against the Manipur ethnic violence in Mumbai. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
In the state of Manipur, violence continued to wreak havoc, resulting in the destruction of homes and villages. Clashes between different groups led to a fresh round of crossfire in the Churachandpur area, leaving the region in turmoil.
Despite intensified security measures, the violence persisted, prompting residents of Churachandpur, Torbung, and other vulnerable villages to evacuate for their safety, reported India Today.
Meanwhile, neighboring Mizoram braced for potential repercussions and witnessed a mass exodus of Meitei people seeking refuge from the unrest.
As the situation continues to be tense in the northeastern state, the Opposition leaders in the Parliament have asked PM Narendra Modi to address the crisis comprehensively.
Clashes ravage Churachandpur
The Churachandpur in Manipur area bore witness to a fresh round of crossfire that raged on for about 12 hours, resulting in numerous houses and buildings being reduced to ashes.
Despite the authorities beefing up security measures, the violence showed no signs of abating, leaving residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.
In response to the escalating situation, advisories were issued, urging the residents of Churachandpur, Torbung, and other vulnerable villages to evacuate the region.
Meitei exodus from Mizoram
Amidst the chaos, neighboring Mizoram found itself dealing with the consequences of the unrest. A mass exodus of Meitei people from Mizoram was triggered after an ex-militants' group asked the community to leave the state.
This came in the aftermath of a viral video that showed two women in Manipur being paraded and sexually assaulted, further fueling tensions and fear among the Meitei community.
Mizoram on high alert
Mizoram, being closely connected to Manipur, remained on high alert as Mizo organizations expressed solidarity with the Zo ethnic people affected by the clashes.
The state's police and administrative officials were trying to ensure the safety and security of Manipuri people residing in various parts of Mizoram.
Protests erupted across the state, demanding peace and communal harmony in Manipur.
Opposition demands answers
As the situation gained national attention, the Opposition alliance INDIA ( Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) sought answers in Parliament. A demand was made for PM Modi to make a comprehensive statement addressing the horrific developments in Manipur.
The government agreed to a short-duration discussion on the issue, with the Home Minister Amit Shah responding to it. However, the Opposition remained adamant in their call for the Prime Minister's statement, emphasizing the need for accountability and reconciliation.
In a tweet, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said "The 3rd day of Monsoon session of Parliament begins today. INDIA's demand is straightforward. PM should make a comprehensive statement on the horrific post-May 3 developments in Manipur, after which a discussion would take place to express our collective sense of pain, anguish and desire for reconciliation."
The 3rd day of Monsoon session of Parliament begins today. INDIA's demand is straightforward. PM should make a comptehensive statement on the horrific post-May 3 developments in Manipur, after which a discussion would take place to express our collective sense of pain, anguish…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 24, 2023
"No 5D drama that PM does to escape responsibility in such situations: He denies, 'distorts', diverts, deflects and 'defames'. Will he rise to the occasion? Manipur is waiting. The nation is watching," he said.
The May 4 video
After a shocking video from May 4 showing two women being paraded naked in Manipur went viral, four individuals, including the man directing the mob,were arrested.
The women in the video belonged to one of the warring communities in the hill state. The mob also allegedly gang-raped one of the women, and her brother was killed when he tried to intervene.
After the incident, PM Modi on Thursday spoke for the first time on the Manipur situation. "The Manipur incident is shameful for any decent society. My heart is full of pain and anger. I assure the nation, no guilty will be spared," he said.
The Centre has issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the video.
What is happening in Manipur?
Ethnic clashes have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in the deaths of over 160 people and the displacement of thousands more.
The clashes were sparked by a Tribal Solidarity March held in the state's hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meitei are the majority community in Manipur, while the Kukis are a tribal group that makes up about 40% of the state's population.
The Indian government has deployed thousands of security forces to try to restore order, but the violence has continued. The government has also imposed a curfew in some areas and suspended internet services