India deploys additional security forces in restive Manipur state

By Anadolu Staff

ANKARA (AA) - India on Thursday deployed an additional 2,000 security personnel in the northeastern state of Manipur amid the growing violence in the state, according to local media.

The Federal Home Ministry deployed 20 additional companies, which makes around 2,000 personnel, of the Central Armed Police Forces in the state, English daily The Hindu reported.

On Monday, at least 10 suspected militants were killed in armed clashes with security forces in the Jiribam district. Subsequently, authorities imposed a curfew in the district.

On Wednesday, Manipur police said unknown "armed miscreants" fired towards two loaded trucks and partially burnt one of them in the Tamenglong district.

The fresh violence follows ethnic clashes in the state last year, which resulted in the killing of at least 180 people.

Fighting has taken place between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities in the state.

Meitei are mostly Hindu and dominant in the state's population, while Kukis are mostly Christians, and among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India.

Amid the fresh violence, three women and three children were abducted by armed men.

Manipur lawmaker Leishemba Sanajaoba demanded intervention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the abduction, accusing of “Kuki militants.”

As many as 13 local civil organizations have called for a 24-hour strike starting Tuesday evening in response to the escalating violence in the state.