23,000 flee after ethnic violence in northeast India kills over 50
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Loading... - Barbara Clark
- 09 May 2023
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Over 50 people have been reportedly killed in ethnic violence in northeast India, leading to the displacement of almost 23,000 people, as stated by the army on Sunday. The clashes broke out in Manipur state after a protest march by a tribal group, resulting in the burning of vehicles and houses, tear gas being fired, and curfews imposed. The military has deployed thousands of troops to the state bordering Myanmar and issued "shoot-at-sight" orders in "extreme cases," in addition to cutting the internet.
The unrest has been fueled by tribal groups, including the Kukis, who are unhappy about the Meitei community's prospect of being recognized under a "Scheduled Tribe" category. This designation would entitle them to a certain quota of government jobs and college admissions aimed at addressing structural inequality and discrimination.
The authorities have not provided an official death toll, but hospital morgues in the state capital Imphal and Churachandpur have reported a total of 54 dead. As violence broke out, members of the Kuki community have been targeted, with their homes and a neighborhood church being set on fire. The attackers claim that the Kukis are outsiders and should leave Imphal. Many members of the Kuki community have fled their homes for safety.
India's northeast has seen unrest among ethnic and separatist groups seeking more autonomy or even secession from India for decades, resulting in the deaths of at least 50,000 people in Manipur since the 1950s. Although many groups have signed deals with New Delhi for more powers, conflicts have resurfaced in the region.
The army has stated that no major flare-ups were reported overnight, and a curfew was lifted in one of the main flashpoint areas, Churachandpur district, between 7-10 a.m. on Sunday. The statement also mentioned that the military has deployed aerial surveillance, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, and repositioned Army Helicopters within Imphal Valley, enhancing surveillance efforts. The military has rescued approximately 23,000 civilians and moved them to their operating bases or military garrisons.
