Security buses and houses burned, shootout reported

The ethnic conflict in Manipur escalated further on Tuesday and Wednesday as two security buses were set ablaze in Kangpokpi district, and a mob set fire to several houses and shops in Moreh district, with a subsequent shootout occurring between miscreants and security forces. In the first incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, a group from one of the clashing communities intercepted the security buses near Sapormeina. They insisted on checking the buses for any members of the opposing community. No casualties were reported, but the buses, returning from Dimapur, were set on fire. On Wednesday, in Moreh district, near the Myanmar border, a mob set at least 30 houses and shops on fire in the Moreh Bazar area. Following this incident, a gunfight broke out between the instigators and security forces. At the time of reporting, it remains unclear whether there were any casualties. The violence in the northeastern state erupted nearly three months ago, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was held in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since the conflict began, more than 160 people have been killed, and hundreds injured. In response to the growing unrest, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed on Twitter that construction of temporary houses in Sajiwa, Imphal, and Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district, is nearing completion. “Very soon, families from relief camps will be able to move into these homes. The state government is taking up all possible measures to rehabilitate the people affected by the recent violence, both in the hills and the valley,” he said. The Meitei community makes up about 53% of Manipur’s population and predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribal groups, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40% and are mainly based in the hill districts.