Peace is nowhere in sight in Manipur, despite the Centre holding talks with the stakeholders
By NH Political Bureau
Demanding presidential rule in the violence-torn state of Manipur, thousands of people belonging to the Kuki tribe on Wednesday, May 31, held a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar-Mantar (All Photos: Vipin/National Herald)
More than 75 people have been killed and several thousands have been forced to live in camps since violence erupted in early May. Ethnic clashes broke out after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.Kukis accused the BJP government led by Biren Singh of 'siding with' the Meitei community, that claims to be the aboriginal inhabitant of Manipur.Manipur's population, according to the 2011 Census, is 28 lakh. Of this, the Meiteis comprise 15 lakhs, while the Kukis amount up to 8 lakhs approximately.
