Manipur violence: Situation tense; colleges closed on Sept 11-12, internet suspended | 10 points | Latest News India

In view of the ongoing fighting in Manipur, the Manipur government has imposed a five-day internet blockade and curfews in three districts to protect public safety and prevent the spread of false information.

Congress has called for intervention by the Interior Minister and urged corrective measures, including strong action by security forces to restore law and order.

The two warring communities – Meitei and Kuki – have been clashing intermittently since last year, after a court order forced the state to extend special economic benefits and quotas for jobs and education enjoyed by the Kukis to the Meiteis.

Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam from Inner Manipur wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for a thorough probe into allegations of involvement of illegal immigrants, foreign elements and the drug mafia in the ongoing unrest.

Here’s what we know so far about the recent rise in violence:

1. The Ministry of Higher Education has announced that both government and private colleges in the state will remain closed on September 11 and 12. The decision comes amid ongoing protests calling for peace in the conflict-ridden state.
2. In view of the recent surge in violence in Manipur, including drone and missile attacks, the state police have deployed anti-drone systems in the region and are in the process of procuring additional anti-drone systems and weapons.
3. Last week, fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Jiribam district, killing six people. Suspected Kuki rebels targeted the village of Nungchappi, 229 km from the state capital Imphal, where 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha was killed.
4. Jiribam was the site of recent peace talks between Meitei and Hmar leaders, accompanied by security force commanders. During the meeting, they pledged to work together for peace.
5. The mob tried to loot weapons from the camps of the 2nd and 7th Manipur Rifles in Imphal on Friday night. Security forces stopped them by firing blanks and tear gas, police said.
6. In Thoubal district, police reported on Monday that a large crowd “overpowered the staff on duty”, seized weapons and shot at police.
7. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed concern over fresh incidents of violence in Manipur and said the Indian government should intervene against it.
8. The Centre has ordered the deployment of two new CRPF battalions, comprising about 2,000 personnel, for security duties in a region ravaged by ethnic conflict.
9. A total of 92 check posts have been set up in various districts of Manipur, both in the hills and valleys. So far, the police have booked 129 persons for offences in various districts of the state.
10. Since the fighting began, more than 225 people have been killed and about 60,000 people have been displaced.