Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the situation in Manipur has improved recently, but he expressed sadness over the loss of lives and gender-based crimes that occurred due to ethnic tensions in the state. Speaking on Independence Day from the Red Fort in Delhi, Modi acknowledged the violence in Manipur and mentioned the reports of peace returning.
The clashes between the Kuki tribal groups and the Meiteis have caused more than 150 casualties and displaced over 50,000 people since May 3. Modi assured the people of Manipur that the entire nation supports them and called for maintaining peace to address the challenges faced by the state.
The violence started in Churachandpur town when Kuki groups protested against granting scheduled tribe status to the Meitei community. The clashes escalated quickly, leading to the displacement of many people who sought refuge in the jungles and crossed state borders.
The Manipur violence disrupted the monsoon session of Parliament, with the Opposition demanding a discussion on the issue and a response from Modi. In his parliamentary speech, Modi promised to restore peace in the state and assured the people of Manipur that both the state and central governments were working together to ensure justice for the culprits.
Last month, videos depicting a mob stripping and parading two women naked in Manipur sparked outrage.
