The recent violence in Manipur stems from clashes between the tribal communities and the majority Meitei community. The conflict escalated after Naga and Kuki tribals organized a 'Tribal Solidarity March' to protest the potential granting of scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. The march was in response to a directive by the Manipur High Court asking the state government to send a recommendation to the central government regarding the ST status demand.

During the march, an armed mob allegedly attacked people from the Meitei community in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district, leading to retaliatory attacks in the valley districts. The violence quickly spread throughout the state, resulting in the displacement of over 9,000 people from their villages.

To address the escalating unrest, the Manipur government issued a 'shoot at sight' order in extreme cases, as 55 columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to contain the widespread rioting. The army and Assam Rifles conducted flag marches in various areas to maintain control and restore peace. The Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialized force for handling riots, was also dispatched by the central government to assist in violence-hit areas.

The decision to issue a 'shoot at sight' order was made under the provisions of the criminal procedure code 1973 and authorized by the Governor of Manipur. The order allows magistrates to issue the directive when all other measures, including persuasion, warning, and reasonable force, have been exhausted and the situation cannot be controlled.

To ensure the safety of affected residents, the security forces have rescued and provided shelter to approximately 9,000 people. Efforts are ongoing to shift more individuals to safer places. Curfew has been imposed in several districts, and mobile internet services have been suspended across the state to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb further violence.

The violence in Manipur highlights deep-rooted societal tensions and the need for effective dialogue and understanding among different communities. The state government, along with the central authorities and security forces, is working to restore peace, prevent further escalation, and address the grievances of all parties involved. It is crucial for all stakeholders to promote peace, maintain calm, and engage in meaningful discussions to resolve the underlying issues and prevent future conflicts.