Authorities in India’s north-eastern Manipur, yesterday, reimposed a curfew and deployed the army again, on roads, as fresh violence erupted in the state, officials said.
Violence broke out in Imphal’s Lambulane area, where abandoned houses were set ablaze by unknown people.
Videos from the area showed thick columns of smoke and flames leaping up into the sky, as firefighters holding water hoses, sprinkled water to contain the blaze.
However, no casualties were reported in the arson.
Officials said, some people forced locals to shut their shops.
Following reports of arson, troopers were deployed in the area. Protesters also lit bonfires of used tyres on the road. Government forces fired teargas, to disperse the mob, reports said.
The army said in a statement that, three suspects were arrested and two weapons recovered.
Following the incident, a curfew which was relaxed earlier was reimposed in the area.
Large-scale violence broke out in the state earlier this month, during a tribal protest demonstration, over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meiteis community for a scheduled tribe status. The call for protest was given by the All Tribal Student Union, Manipur.
Scheduled tribes in India are officially designated as disadvantaged socio-economic groups. They are given reservations in education and jobs, with the aim to improve their lives.
Thousands of people took part in the rally, where violence broke out between tribals and non-tribals.
Schools, houses, churches, vehicles and public properties were set ablaze by protesting mobs.
According to officials, 71 people lost their lives in the violence. More than 230 people were injured, and close to 1,700 houses were burnt down during the violence.
Over 100 columns of army and paramilitary forces were deployed in the state to restore peace.
Meanwhile, the local government has extended a ban on internet services by another five days, as a precautionary measure to restrict the mobilisation of crowds.
Source: Nam News Network (NNN)