Security tightened in Manipur ahead of 2-year anniversary of ethnic violence
Security has been intensified across strife-torn Manipur as a precautionary measure ahead of the second anniversary of the May 3 ethnic violence between valley-majority Meiteis and hill-majority Kukis. Both the hills and the valley are expected to see rallies by the warring communities on Saturday.According to Manipur police officials, security has been tightened in both regions, with intensive frisking and checking underway at key locations in Imphal, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and other vulnerable districts.advertisementFLAG MARCH IN IMPHALOn Friday, around 200 vehicles belonging to combined security forces, including state and central units, conducted a flag march in and around Imphal city, covering both Imphal East and West districts.
The march began around 4 pm from the City Convention Centre in Palace Compound, Imphal East, and continued throughout the city.A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told India Today TV, "Manipur has been in turmoil since 2023. Many people have died, been injured or gone missing. The joint security flag march is being conducted to reassure the public and prevent any form of violence."Ethnic violence first erupted in Churachandpur district on May 3, 2023, following a mass rally organised by the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), a tribal organisation. The rally was held in opposition to the recommendation for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.advertisementThousands of Meiteis residing in Churachandpur fled as an irate mob vandalised and set fire to their homes. In retaliation, properties belonging to thousands of Kukis were also vandalised and torched in the valley.Since the outbreak of violence, over 250 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced.RALLIES PLANNED BY KUKI AND MEITEI BODIESTo mark the second anniversary of the ethnic violence, the apex Meitei organisation, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), is organising a public convention on Saturday at Khuman Lampak in Imphal, a Meitei-dominated area.In Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district, the anniversary will be observed as 'Separation Day'.Similar flag marches were also held on Friday night and Saturday morning in the Khwairamband market area, the heart of the city.N Biren Singh resigned as the Chief Minister on February 9 ahead of the Manipur Assembly session. Four days later, the Centre imposed President's Rule in the state.Must Watch
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NDTV
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"Primary Instigators Of Violence": Meitei Alliance Asks Centre To Scrap Ceasefire With Kuki Insurgents
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The Print
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