Tribal Movement | Violent protests in Manipur’s Churachandpur; Curfew, mobile internet services suspended in eight districts

New Delhi: Curfew has been imposed in eight districts of Manipur on Wednesday (May 3) following violence between tribals and non-tribals in Manipur. There were massive protests by tribal groups opposing the demand to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Meanwhile, in Manipur’s Churachandpur, a mob vandalized houses amidst tension. After which the administration has imposed curfew in eight districts of the state. The district administration has suspended mobile internet in Manipur. #WATCH | Mob destroys houses amid tensions in Churachandpur Town in Manipur. Public curfew has been imposed in the district. pic.twitter.com/jonBsyRI18 — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2023 The district administration issued the order saying, ‘With immediate effect in the revenue jurisdiction of Churachandpur district, especially Kangwal, Tuibong and Chaurachandpur subdivisions and further orders. Curfew is imposed till Assembly of five or more persons in the whole of the jurisdiction of Bishnupur district, which is likely to be unlawful, and carrying sticks, stones, firearms, weapons or objects of any description used as offensive weapons without a valid license The ban will remain. Also, mobile internet has been suspended in Manipur. Also read A senior police officer said that thousands of agitators took part in the rally during which there were reports of violence between tribals and non-tribals in Torbang area. To control the crowd, the police fired tear gas shells, the official said. He said the situation remained tense but many agitators have started returning to their homes in different parts of the hills. In view of the situation, curfew has been imposed in non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur districts and tribal dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, he said. Mobile internet services have been suspended across the state for five days with immediate effect but broadband services are operational. Separate orders regarding imposition of curfew have been issued by the administration of eight districts.