India deploys troops to violence-hit region
New Delhi has deployed thousands of troops to the northeastern Indian state of Manipur to address a resurgence of violence that has resulted in hundreds of deaths since last year.
The violence largely stems from a conflict between the majority Meitei community inhabiting the interior plains and the minority Kukis living in the surrounding hills. Since the start of the conflict in May 2023, approximately 200 people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
After a brief lull of about four months, a new wave of violence erupted in Manipur last week, with multiple attacks and killings reported across several districts. Media reports suggest that improvised rockets and drones were used to drop crude bombs, resulting in casualties.
India’s Home Ministry has ordered around 2,000 troops from the Central Reserve Police Force to the state, according to media reports on Monday, citing government sources.
On Tuesday, around 50 students were injured in a clash with security forces as they attempted to storm the chief minister’s residence and the governor’s house. In response, internet access has been suspended, and a curfew has been imposed in several districts – a similar measure introduced last year amid violent clashes.
Manipur University has postponed all undergraduate and postgraduate exams amid the ongoing unrest. Police have deployed anti-drone systems in the region and are acquiring additional anti-drone equipment and firearms, according to the Hindustan Times.
Congress Party MP A. Bimol Akoijam urged Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday to take “corrective measures” and investigate allegations of involvement by “illegal immigrants, foreign elements, and illicit drug mafias.”
Congress leaders have repeatedly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting the state since the crisis began. “Modi cannot find the time or inclination to visit the state since the tragedy started unfolding there,” senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated following the recent spate of violence. The Congress party also condemned Nongthombam Biren Singh, the state’s chief minister, for his inability to curtail the violence and demanded his dismissal. Singh represents the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi.
However, the Prime Minister has addressed the violence on several occasions. Earlier this year, he assured efforts to restore peace and urged cooperation from opposition leaders.
