Manipur Government Issues 'Shoot At Sight' Order In Extreme Cases To Curb Violence

In an attempt to curb the increasing violence between the Meitei community and tribals, the Manipur government has issued a 'shoot at sight' order in extreme situations.

More than 9,000 individuals from villages have already been displaced due to the rioting that has taken place in Manipur.

The Army and Assam Rifles dispatched 55 columns to de-escalate the riots that occurred throughout the state.

The Army is said to have kept 14 columns in standby for redeployment in case of a potential escalation.

The Centre is monitoring the situation in the state, and has sent Rapid Action Force teams to tackle riots in the violence-affected northeastern state.

Clashes escalated following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organised by Naga and Kuki tribes to protest giving scheduled tribe (ST) status to the majority Metei community.

The Governor of Manipur authorised magistrates to give a 'shoot at sight' order when all attempts at persuasion, warning, and reasonable force have failed and the situation has become uncontrollable.

According to a defence spokesperson who spoke to PTI, 9,000 individuals were rescued and provided shelter from the violent areas, with more being relocated to safer locations.

The Army, Assam Rifles, and state police were deployed on Wednesday night (3 May). They successfully arrested the violence by morning, according to the spokesperson.

The All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) orchestrated the 'Tribal Solidarity March' across 10 hill districts in Manipur on 3 May to oppose non-tribal Meiteis' request for ST status.

Non-tribal Meiteis make up 53 per cent of the state's population.

Around 40 per cent of Manipur's population comprises tribals who organised the march after the state government was directed by Manipur High Court to send a recommendation to the Centre within four weeks on the demand for ST status by the Metei community.

The Meiteis reside in the valley, occupying a tenth of the ex-princely state's land. They say massive illegal immigration from Myanmar and Bangladesh is causing them issues.

The state's hill districts are largely occupied by tribals, such as Nagas and Kukis, who are predominantly Christians. These areas are safeguarded by laws preventing encroachment.