Imphal/Guwahati
The Manipur government on Thursday issued a ‘shoot at sight’ order in extreme cases in the violence-hit state if all forms of persuasion, warnings are exhausted.
“In view of the prevailing law and order situation following the unwanted incidents that occurred at the Tribal Solidarity March 2023 held on May 3, 2023, and in order to maintain public order and tranquility in the State, the Governor of Manipur has authorized all District Magistrates, Sub- Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates/Special Executive Magistrates detailed by the District Magistrates concerned to issue Shoot at Sight orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted under the provisions of law under CrPC, 1973 and the situation could not be controlled,” the order stated,
The Army and Central Paramilitary forces have evacuated more than 9,000 people from violence-hit areas of Manipur and given shelter even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday appealed to people to maintain peace. His dispensation, meanwhile, imposed a curfew and suspended mobile internet services in the entire state for five days.
Clashes broke out in various parts of Manipur after a protest rally by tribal groups against any move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the State’s Meitei community turned violent. Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control.
The violence broke out on Wednesday during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for ST status. Thousands of agitators took part in the rally, during which clashes between tribals and non-tribals broke out.
“The violence was arrested by the morning. Approximately 4000 people were given shelter in Army and Assam Rifles Company Operating Bases and state government premises at various places. Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control,” Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat, Defence PRO Guwahati, said earlier in the day, adding columns of the Army and Assam Rifles were brought in to control the situation Wednesday night.
He said villagers are being shifted away from violent locations to safer locations and that more than 7500 civilians have been evacuated through these rescue operations. Additional companies of Rapid Action Force too have been deployed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is said to have spoken to the Manipur Chief Minister on Thursday and taken stock of the situation even as the MHA is monitoring the situation.
Chief Minster Biren Singh said the situation arose because of a “prevailing misunderstanding between two sections of the society”. He said incidents of clashes, vandalism, and arson have been reported from Imphal, Churchandpur, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and Morehm.
“The state government is seized of the developments and taking all steps to control the law and order situation. Additional central paramilitary forces have been deputed for deployment in sensitive areas. We are committed to protecting the life and property of our people… In this hour, I appeal to one and all to maintain peace and harmony in your respective areas. I urge you not to believe in rumours and unverified messages,” he said.
Singh said that security personnel have been directed to take strict action against individuals and groups indulging in violence” and that “Long-term grievances of communities will also be suitably addressed in due course with consultation with people and their representative organisations.”
He also said he has spoken to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who wanted to know about the situation with regard to the Kuki people living in Manipur. “I apprised him of the present situation that it was because of the misunderstanding and communication gap between the two communities. We are having around 35 communities together here since time immemorial… The incident which had taken place yesterday was due to misunderstanding and some communication gap and now, everything has been settled and we will be normalised very soon,” he said.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga also tweeted about the “lengthy and fruitful conversation” with Amit Shan and his counterpart in Manipur. “I sincerely hope that #peace will be restored in #Manipur,” he posted on Twitter along with a letter he wrote to Biren Singh.
World Champion boxer and former Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom tweeted late at night seeking help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saying, “My state Manipur is burning, kindly help.”
On Thursday, she reiterated , “I am not feeling good about the situation In Manipur. Since last night the situation has deteriorated. I appeal State & Central Government to take steps for the situation & maintain peace & security in the state. It is unfortunate that some people lost their family members in this violence. This situation must get normal at the earliest.”
Prohibitory orders have been in place since last week following the violence that erupted during a protest against the drive to evict villagers from reserve forest areas. Additional security forces were rushed to the town from other parts of Manipur to control the situation after the vandalisation of a venue where the Chief Minister was scheduled to address a programme.
