Manipur Violence: Following a period of delicate peace, the Meitei and Kuki communities engaged in fresh clashes this afternoon in the New Checkon area of Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
As a result, the army and paramilitary forces were swiftly dispatched to the violence-hit region to restore order.
The fights began over a parking spot in a nearby grocery. Following allegations of arson in the region, a curfew was imposed.
For more than a month, ethnic clashes in Manipur have been linked to a variety of causes.
Clashes erupted in the hill state earlier this month after tribals held a solidarity march on May 3 to protest the Meiteis' desire for Scheduled Tribe membership.
More than 70 people were killed in the violence, which had been raging for more than a week.
Property worth crores were set ablaze, and many were forced to flee their homes in search of safety in government-run camps.
The riots were preceded by a succession of smaller agitations over the eviction of Kuki villagers from the reserve forest area.
Despite accounting for 64% of the state's population, Meities only account for 10% of the state's territory since non-tribals are not permitted to purchase land in designated hill areas.
Their membership in the ST category will allow them to buy land in the hills, which has enraged the tribals.
The Kukis claim that the state's BJP government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been methodical in its efforts to drive them from the woods and their homes in the hills.
They claim that the drug war was also a cover for eviction. The army and paramilitary forces have set up camps across the state, conducting routine patrols and assisting civilians.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to take action against those responsible for the violence and has met with representatives from both communities.
