Ethnic Strife in Manipur Leaves 175 Dead, 1,108 Injured, and Thousands Displaced.

Ethnic Strife in Manipur Leaves 175 Dead, 1,108 Injured, and Thousands Displaced.

Asif Iqbal | September 15, 2023 | 07:31 AM IST | Breaking News, Manipur | Follow on Google News

Ethnic Strife in Manipur Leaves 175 Dead, 1,108 Injured, and Thousands Displaced.

Rising Casualties and Extensive Damage

Since early May, Manipur has been engulfed in a wave of ethnic strife, resulting in a devastating toll on its people and infrastructure. Reports from the police reveal a grim reality: 175 lives lost, 1,108 individuals injured, and 32 people still missing. The consequences of this conflict have further extended to the destruction of 4,786 houses and the vandalization of 386 religious structures.

Law Enforcement’s Determined Efforts

At a recent press conference in Imphal, IGP (Operations) I K Muivah assured the public of the relentless efforts being made by the police, central forces, and civil administration to restore peace and normalcy to Manipur. Amid this challenging time, their focus is on bringing stability to the region.

Weapons Recovery and Losses

Muivah also disclosed that amidst the turmoil, 1,359 firearms and 15,050 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. The rioters reportedly looted a significant number of arms and ammunition from the police during the violent clashes. Additionally, a staggering 5,172 cases of arson were reported.

Religious Structures Under Attack

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on religious institutions in Manipur, with 386 religious structures, including 254 churches and 132 temples, being vandalized. This widespread damage is a grim testament to the scale of the crisis.

Despite these troubling statistics, there are signs of hope as security barricades along various routes have been removed, and security measures have been enhanced on national highways to ensure the safety of residents and travelers.

IGP (Administration) K Jayanta revealed that of the 175 deceased, nine remain unidentified, and efforts are ongoing to provide closure to their families. While 79 bodies have been claimed, 96 are still unclaimed. Hospitals in Imphal and Churachandpur are currently handling these tragic cases.

A Lingering Crisis

IGP (Zone-3) Nishit Ujjwal reported that National Highways 32 and 2 are now functioning normally, which is a positive step toward restoring order in the region. Nevertheless, the deep-rooted ethnic tensions that sparked this conflict remain a significant concern.

The violence initially erupted on May 3 during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The ethnic composition of Manipur, where Meiteis account for 53 percent of the population residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, and tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent, largely inhabiting the hill districts, underscores the complex nature of this crisis.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.