Manipur Violence: The state of Manipur continues to witness ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis, resulting in fresh violence in Imphal's Ghari area.
Women protestors blocked both sides of a main road and resorted to burning tyres during their demonstrations, escalating tensions and prompting a quick response from the authorities.
Security forces, including the Manipur armed police, Army, and rapid action battalion, rushed to the scene to quell the protestors.
An operation was conducted to extinguish the fires and bring the situation under control. Additionally, a flag march was conducted in various areas to maintain order and control the protestors.
The state of Manipur has been grappling with ethnic clashes since May 3, with conflicts arising between the Meiteis, who predominantly inhabit the Imphal valley, and the Kukis, who reside in the hills.
The violence has claimed the lives of over 160 people so far. The source of the conflicts originates from a 'Tribal Solidarity March' initiated by the hill districts, aimed at expressing their opposition to the Meitei community's request for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
The Meiteis constitute about 53% of Manipur's population and predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, makeup 40% and predominantly reside in the hill districts.
Various incidents of arson, loot, violence, and mob-build-up have been reported from different parts of the state, exacerbating the already tense situation.
As the state was attempting to return to normalcy, a video dated May 4 emerged, showcasing the horrifying ordeal of two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by a group of men from the other side. The video has sparked nationwide outrage.
Authorities have taken swift action in response to the video, leading to the arrest of five individuals in connection with the incident.
The 26-second video, capturing the distressing situation of the two tribal women, emerged shortly after the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3.
The incident has further inflamed the already volatile situation in the northeastern state.