“IGP (Operations) I.K. Muivah reported that approximately 4,786 homes went up in flames, and 386 religious structures were subjected to vandalism in Manipur.”
Imphal, – In the wake of escalating ethnic strife that has gripped Manipur since early May, authorities report a grim toll of 175 fatalities, with another 1,108 individuals wounded and 32 missing. Additionally, shocking numbers reveal that 4,786 residences have been set ablaze, and 386 religious structures have fallen victim to vandalism.
Speaking at a press conference, IGP (Operations) I K Muivah stated, “In this challenging time that Manipur is in, we can reassure the public that the police, central forces, and the civil administration are trying round-the-clock to bring normalcy back.” Muivah also disclosed that out of the weapons reportedly lost during the violence, 1,359 firearms and 15,050 rounds of ammunition have been recovered.
The unrest has seen a significant amount of police arms and ammunition allegedly looted by rioters, while arson cases have surged to 5,172. Furthermore, 386 religious structures, comprising 254 churches and 132 temples, have been subjected to desecration.
Regarding security measures, Muivah mentioned, “Security barricades from Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district to Kangvai in Churachandpur district have been removed, while security has been provided on national highways.”
IGP (Administration) K Jayanta provided details on the deceased, revealing that nine of the 175 victims remain unidentified. Jayanta noted, “Seventy-nine of the bodies have been claimed while 96 remain unclaimed. At RIMS and JNIMS (hospitals in Imphal), 28 and 26 bodies have been kept respectively, while 42 are at Churachandpur hospital.”
In response to the turmoil, a total of 9,332 cases have been registered, resulting in the arrest of 325 individuals. Meanwhile, IGP (Zone-3) Nishit Ujjwal reported that NH-32 and NH-2 are operating normally.
The ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis constitute approximately 53 percent of Manipur’s population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent and are predominantly located in the hill districts.
