What's happened
Manipur has imposed a five-day internet shutdown and curfew in response to escalating violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. At least nine people have died in recent clashes, with students protesting against government inaction. The unrest stems from ethnic tensions over economic benefits and land rights, leading to significant casualties and displacement.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the Home Ministry's notice emphasized the need to prevent the spread of misinformation that could incite further violence. The Independent reported that the unrest has resulted in significant casualties, with students expressing frustration over the government's failure to address the ongoing conflict. The South China Morning Post highlighted the use of drones in recent attacks, marking a dangerous escalation in the violence. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexity of the situation, with each source emphasizing different aspects of the unrest and its implications.
How we got here
The violence in Manipur has persisted since May 2023, fueled by ethnic tensions between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the mainly Christian Kuki communities. A court ruling to extend economic benefits to the Meitei has exacerbated these tensions, leading to ongoing clashes.
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