At least 54 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured following traibal clashes in north eastern Indian state of Manipur.
The Press Trust of India said quoting official sources that death toll in the Manipur carnage increased to 54. Clashes between various tribes started on Wednesday in Torbung area in Churachandpur district during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ by tribals including Nagas and Kukis to protest the demand of Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe status.
All Tribal Student Union Manipur organised the march after the Manipur High Court asked the state government to send a recommendation to the central government on the demand for ST status by the Metei community.
Inclusion in ST category gives priority treatment in getting government jobs and admission to educational institutions in addition to monetary benifits. It is alleged that the Meitei community was attacked during the march in Torbung and the retaliation further escalated the violence to across the state. Meiteis living mainly in Imphal Valley account for about 53% of the population while tribals mainly Nagas and Kukis who are living in the hill districts surrounding the valley account for 40%. The authorities deployed 10,000 soldiers from the Army and the Assam Rifles in the state and 13,000 people were rescued and shifted to safer places. Churachandpur, Moreh, Kakching and Kangpokpi districts are under the control of the army.
Source: Kuwait News Agency