The government of Manipur has issued a "shoot-at-sight" order for security forces in extreme cases to tackle the ongoing violence in the state. This order allows officials to issue such orders if all forms of persuasion, warnings, and reasonable force have been exhausted under the provisions of law. The move comes after violent clashes broke out among communities in several districts of the state, following a Tribal Solidarity March organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur.
Tribals, who make up 40% of the state's population, are opposing the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of the Meitei community. The recent demand by the Meitei community for ST status has resulted in tension between the two groups. Attacks and retaliatory attacks have led to arson and vandalism, and around 5,000 people have been shifted from violence-hit areas.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that the violence was caused by a misunderstanding and has imposed a curfew in several districts of the state. The Manipur high court has asked the state government to send a recommendation to the Centre on the demand of the Meitei community for ST status.
