Manipur ethnic violence: BJP MLA critically injured in mob attack; multiple incidents of violence in last 12hrs; 13,000 civilians rescued by security forces

The law-and-order in the state remains turbulent even as the Manipur Governor on Thursday gave his approval to shoot at sight order in "extreme cases"  after violence between tribals and the majority Meitei community engulfed the state.

Valte, a three-time MLA from Thanlon in the Pherzawl district, was returning to his official residence in Imphal when he was attacked. While Valte and his driver sustained injuries, his PSO escaped.

The MLA is currently undergoing treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.

Valte belongs to the Kuki ethnic group and served as the Tribal Affairs & Hills minister of Manipur during the previous BJP administration.

On Wednesday, the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) conducted a 'Tribal Solidarity March' across the ten hill districts of Manipur in protest against the request made by non-tribal Meiteis, who make up 53% of the state's population, for being granted the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Amid the 'Tribal Solidarity March' by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district, an armed mob allegedly attacked people belonging to the Meitei community, which led to retaliatory attacks in the valley districts, ultimately leading to widespread violence throughout the state.

According to Indian Express, the immediate spark for the violence was provided by a counterattack by Meitei mobs, who destroyed the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Gate in Leisang and razed Vaiphei houses in Kangvai village. This came after a Meitei driver was beaten up for a traffic accident involving a bike and a tripper truck that ran over water bottles kept for peaceful tribal protestors in Lamka on the same day.

In the past 12 hours, Imphal East and West districts witnessed sporadic incidents of arson and attempts by inimical elements to establish a blockade.

Urging people to maintain peace, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, "Precious lives have been lost, besides damage of properties, which is very unfortunate." The CM said the violence was the result of "misunderstanding" in society.

Sources said mobs burned several houses in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Imphal valley areas on Friday despite the shoot-at-sight orders by the government.

In the past, for approximately 48 hours, Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Air Force along with civil administration led proactive rescue operations, Indian Army said in a statement.

Nearly 13000 civilians have been rescued and are currently staying in various temporary boarding facilities specifically created for the purpose within Company Operating Bases & Military Garrisons, the army said.

Till now, more than 100 columns of the Indian Army are working tirelessly towards restoring law and order in Manipur at the earliest, the statement said.

The Indian Air Force undertook continuous sorties from two airfields in Assam employing C17 Globemaster & AN 32 aircraft.

Induction commenced on the night of 04 May and additional columns commenced domination with effect from the wee hours of 05 May, Friday, the satement said.

The Army conducted flag marches and took control of violence-hit areas. The Army personnel also interacted with locals and influencers to reassure them of their personal safety, the Indian Army said in the statement.

Flag march and area domination in Churachandpur and other sensitive areas are underway, the Indian Army said.