India
oi-Vicky Nanjappa
The situation in Manipur is a result of a clash between two ethnicities and has nothing to do with counter-insurgency, Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan said.
The state has been witnessing violent clashed for nearly a month now, which was sparked by the eviction of Kuki villagers, from the reserve forest land. The violence has also led to a series of smaller agitations.
“The situation in Manipur is nothing to do with counter-insurgency and is primarily a clash between two ethnicities. It’s a law and order kind of situation and we are helping the state government,” the CDS said.
“We’ve done an excellent job and saved a large number of lives. The challenges in Manipur have not disappeared and it will take some time but hopefully, they should settle down,” he also said.
Amit Shah To Hold Series of Meetings in Manipur, Address Media Tomorrow
On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state and took stock of the situation. He met with chief minister N Biren Singh. Shah will be in the state for another day before he returns to Delhi. He also met with top army officials, civil society organisations and influential community leaders to finalise a plan to curb the ethnic violence in the state.
On May 3 clashes broke out in Manipur following a Tribal Solidarity March to protest against the Meiteis, who comprise 64 per cent of the state’s population. They have been demanding for Schedule Tribe status which has been opposed by the Kukis. Over 70 persons have died in the violence and property worth crores has been torched. Thousands have also been forced to evacuate.
