Manipur violence: Indian Army seizes ammunition, 3 killed in Bishnupur as clashes continue. 5 updates
Narendra Modi through the Manipur governor seeking his immediate intervention for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state at the earliest. NESO, its leaders said is "deeply pained" to witness the present "anarchical" situation in Manipur as violence and arson continue to engulf most parts of the state for over three months.
On May 3, members of the Kuki and Naga tribes, who inhabit Manipur's hills and are regarded as Scheduled Tribes, or India's most disadvantaged groups, launched a protest against the possible extension of their benefits to the dominant Meiteis. The Meitei has sought special benefits for more than a decade but received a fillip in April after the Manipur High Court recommended the government should consider the demand and set a deadline of mid-May.
Meiteis account for half of Manipur's population and extending limited affirmative action quotas to them would mean they would get a share in education and government jobs reserved for Kukis and Nagas. Meiteis have traditionally lived in Manipur's more prosperous valley region which makes up 10% of the state's area.
They have also had better access to employment and economic opportunities. Nagas and Kukis live in poorly developed hills.
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