The ethnic strife in Manipur since early May has resulted in a tragic toll: 175 lives lost, 1,108 people injured, and 32 individuals missing, as reported by the police. Alongside this tragedy, extensive property damage has occurred, with 4,786 houses set on fire and 386 religious structures vandalized.
IGP (Operations) I K Muivah, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the relentless efforts of the police, central forces, and civil administration to restore normalcy amidst these challenging times.
Regarding lost weapons, Muivah revealed that 1,359 firearms and 15,050 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. Unfortunately, a significant number of police firearms and ammunition were reportedly looted by rioters during the unrest.
The situation has seen 5,172 arson cases reported, with 386 religious structures, comprising 254 churches and 132 temples, vandalized.
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IGP (Administration) K Jayanta shared that of the 175 casualties, nine remain unidentified, 79 have been claimed, and 96 await identification. Hospitals in Imphal hold 28 and 26 bodies at RIMS and JNIMS, respectively, while 42 are at Churachandpur hospital.
Jayanta noted 9,332 registered cases and 325 arrests. Meanwhile, IGP (Zone-3) Nishit Ujjwal reported that NH-32 and NH-2 are functioning normally.
This turmoil originated on May 3 during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Manipur comprises Meiteis (about 53% of the population) primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis (40%), predominantly inhabit the hill districts.
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