In a troubling turn of events on Tuesday evening, a mob in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district set two buses, used for transporting security personnel, on fire, further escalating the already tense situation in the region. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from this brazen act of violence.

The incident occurred in Sapormeina when the Manipur-registered buses were en route from Dimapur. Members of the mob, belonging to one of the warring communities, intercepted the buses and demanded to inspect if any individuals from the opposing community were onboard. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to the destructive act of setting the buses ablaze, causing significant damage.

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the ethnic violence that has been plaguing Manipur’s northeastern state for almost three months. The death toll has already surpassed 160, and hundreds have been injured since the violence erupted on May 3, creating a prolonged period of unrest.

The root cause of the violence can be traced back to the ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ where hill districts organized protests against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. With Meiteis making up about 53 percent of Manipur’s population, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, and tribal communities like Nagas and Kukis accounting for 40 percent, mainly residing in the hill districts, the tensions have been brewing.

Restoring peace and stability in the region poses a significant challenge for authorities. They are working tirelessly to address the underlying issues fueling the ethnic tensions and find ways to resolve the conflict through dialogue and peaceful means. However, the situation remains complex due to deep-rooted grievances and historical complexities.

Law enforcement agencies are on high alert, preventing further escalation of violence and maintaining law and order. The state government is closely monitoring developments in the affected areas and appealing for calm and restraint from all communities involved.

The ultimate focus remains on achieving a lasting resolution to the crisis, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and fostering an environment of peace and harmony in Manipur.