Shillong, May 06: The Meghalaya capital, Shillong, was rocked by violence on May 4 as members of the Kuki and Meitei communities clashed near the Mizo Morden School at Nongrim Hills.
The police quickly intervened and arrested 16 people from both communities. The police warned both communities of strict action if anyone tried to create unrest and incite violence.
The violence in Meghalaya occurred a day after clashes broke out in Manipur, which escalated overnight following the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized by Naga and Kuki tribals to oppose the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The Nagas and Kukis make up approximately 40 per cent of Manipur’s total population.
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In response, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles were deployed in at least six districts in Manipur to control the situation. The Manipur government had to issue shoot-at-sight orders in extreme cases to contain the spiraling violence.
Sporadic incidents of arson were reported in the Imphal East and West districts, but the situation is now under control, thanks to the swift action by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles. The Army used coordinated actions to bring the situation under control, with IAF conducting continuous sorties from two airfields in Assam using C17 Globemaster and AN 32 aircraft.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is continuously monitoring the situation in Manipur through video conference meetings with state Chief Minister N Biren Singh and top officials. The Ministry of Home Affairs dispatched ten more companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to the violence-hit Manipur on Friday.
The clashes between different communities in Manipur and Meghalaya highlight the need for peace and stability in the region. It is essential to address the concerns of various communities to prevent such conflicts in the future.
The authorities should work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the issues affecting the region to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The use of violence and force to control such situations should be the last resort and should only be used in extreme cases to protect the lives of the citizens.
