Paramilitary forces arrive at the site of abandoned houses set on fire by miscreants at New Lembulane, Imphal on Monday, May 22, 2023. Photo Credit: ANI
in fresh violence ManipurPolice officials said two houses were torched by a mob in Imphal East district on the afternoon of May 22 after two armed miscreants forced people to close their shops.
However, no casualties have been reported in the arson.
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The mob also thrashed one of the miscreants, while the other managed to escape. Both were taken into custody.
Army personnel who arrived at the scene used force and fired teargas shells to disperse the crowd, causing minor injuries to some people.
Locals protested the incident by burning tires on the road.
Curfew was imposed in Imphal East district following the incident. first rested How were you?
Time to move on and restore normalcy: Manipur CM
On 21 May Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh said It was time to move on from violence and restore normalcy in the state.
“Past is past. Our mission now is to restore normalcy. There was no fight between communities. It (fight) was with the government. When any government anywhere tries to do something, there is always acceptance or resistance. is,” he said.
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Although Mr Singh did not elaborate, his BJP-led government’s alleged encroachment of forest land and opium cultivation in the hills are said to be the main reasons behind the violence, which has left more than 70 people dead and 35,000 homeless.
The anti-encroachment drive was largely seen by the government as being controlled by the non-tribal Meitei people, primarily targeting the hill-dwelling Kuki tribe.
“Blame the government. We will improve. Please don’t make it an issue between communities,” Mr Singh said.
The Chief Minister also said that the government will contact 10 Cookie MLAincluding seven from the ruling BJP, who demanded a “separate administration” for their community.
Cookie MLA is part of our family. Manipur is a small but unique state with 34-35 recognized tribes including the Kukis. We are all brothers and sisters,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)