5 killed, houses set ablaze in fresh violence in India's Manipur
A resurgence of violence has engulfed India's northeastern state of Manipur, as clashes between security forces and the Hindu Meitei community escalated into a gunfight during the preceding night, as reported by various Indian media sources.
The situation escalated following the tragic demise of three individuals from the Meitei community on Thursday night within the Metei-dominated Bishnupur district. This grievous event triggered retaliatory violence, leading to the loss of two lives within the primarily Christian Kuki community. The aftermath witnessed a march of protest towards an adjacent Kuki-majority district, culminating in an intense gunfight with law enforcement personnel.
Regrettably, the outbreak of violence was further exacerbated by the destruction of residences belonging to the Kuki populace, which followed the unfortunate events of Thursday night involving rival Meitei individuals.
The origins of this protracted wave of unrest trace back to May 3rd when a court's directive prompted the consideration of extending special economic benefits and reserved quotas in government employment and education to the predominantly Meitei population. These privileges, traditionally exclusive to the tribal Kuki people, ignited a conflict that has persisted for several months.
The ongoing violence has claimed the lives of over 180 individuals and displaced numerous residents from their homes. Manipur, a state with a population of 3.2 million situated along the Myanmar border, continues to grapple with the dire repercussions of this unsettling situation, according to a report by Reuters.
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