Majority Meitei want Scheduled Tribe status fearing immigration from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Protests by hill tribes opposed to the demand has resulted in serious violence and, according to unconfirmed reports, casualties. The state government imposed a curfew and shut down the internet. Mostly Christian tribal communities fear losing their land, the bishop of Miao told AsiaNews.
Imphal (AsiaNews) – Violence broke out yesterday in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur in the wake of a protest in Churachandpur district that sparked tensions between lowland ethnic Meitei, who are mostly Hindu and Muslim, and Naga and Kuki/Zo tribal groups, who are predominantly Christian and live in hilly areas.
The bone of contention is the request by the Meitei, who are more than 50 per cent of the population, for Scheduled Tribe status, which under Indian law provides certain benefits such as quotas in public employment, political representation, and land rights.
The Manipur High Court on 19 April called on the state government to consider petitions for the Meitei community's demand and decide on it "expeditiously".
This prompted the All Tribal Student Union Manipur to stage a protest in Torbung, Churachandpur district, which attracted thousands of people from non-Meitei groups.
Violent clashes followed across the Imphal Valley with some unconfirmed reports of deaths. As many as 15 churches have been attacked.
“This is a fight between the Tribals who are 90 per cent Christian and Meitei who are 90 per cent Hindu and Muslim,” said Mgr George Pallipparambil, Catholic Bishop of Miao, speaking to AsiaNews. “The Meitei want to be included in the ST (schedule tribe) category, giving them access to all benefits, including land”.
NEWSRAEL: This is a very little-known area, and while it is clear that there are 3 groups here: Christian, Hindu and Muslim, it is very un-clear who is fighting who, and the story depends on which sounrce you listen to.
Source: AsiaNews