Imphal: Naorem Birahari College in Imphal East doesn’t even have a fan but is a shelter home to many families from the Meitei community, who reached here after their homes were burnt in the violence in Manipur.
Violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a peaceful march was organised in several hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. More than 90 people were killed and over 300 were injured in the violence, which saw at least 4,000 incidents of arson.
Seventeen-year-old Amom Yaiphaba from the Meitei community was shot dead during the violence, allegedly by a Kuki.
People from both the communities are suffering in relief camps. Previously, The Wire’s Yaqut Ali had reported from the camp where Kuki families were living. This time, he has reported from the camp where Meitei families are living. The people in the camp told The Wire that the Kuki community burnt their houses. They said they are not able to decide how to go ahead with their lives and are worried about the future of their children.