EFFORTS TO QUELL ETHNIC CONFLICT IN MANIPUR GAIN MOMENTUM

A determined response to the Manipur crisis is underway

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Manipur, the northeastern Indian state, has been experiencing a spurt in violent ethnic clashes since May 3, resulting in a death toll that has now reached 80. The conflict erupted over the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ and tensions around the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land.

To address the crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made his first visit to the region since the conflict began. As part of his initiative to restore normalcy, Shah held consultations with various stakeholders, including a group of women leaders, prominent personalities, and delegates from civil society organisations, expressing their commitment to restoring peace.

Also, Shah visited Churachandpur, the epicentre of rioting, to engage with Kuki civil society leaders and understand their grievances. Assurances were given to ensure the availability of essential commodities, including petrol, LPG gas, rice, and other food products, to cool down prices and provide some relief to the affected population.