The Manipur violence resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Tengnoupal and Kakching.
During a meeting on Saturday evening, the Manipur state cabinet, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, denounced the “unwanted actions” of central security forces against civilians during Friday’s exchange of fire. Three people were killed and over 50 others were injured. The cabinet also decided to inform the Centre about the incident.
After examining the situation in the troubled northeastern state, the cabinet approved the extension of “Disturbed Area” under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act for another six months.
It also ratified a long-term housing scheme for those affected by ethnic violence, which has been in operation for more than four months. The state will construct houses wherever the environment is suitable for people affected with such violence to return to their original areas of residence. In the first phase, approximately 1,000 permanent houses would be constructed and an estimated cost of Rs 75 crore will be covered. Semi-permanent homes are expected to cost Rs 7 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively.
Two equal instalments would be allocated to the fund, with 50% of it being denominated before the construction work begins, and the remaining portion being distributed at a later time.
According to the Manipur government, violence has caused damage or burnt out around 4,800 houses and has resulted in over 170 fatalities, over 700 injuries, and displacement of more than 70,000 people from different communities.
A compensation scheme for women victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes was introduced in Manipur during the ethnic unrest in India, which began on May 3 after protests against a Manupur High Court order to recommend Scheduled Tribe status for Meities.
The majority of Manipur’s population, around 53%, is made up of Meiteis who reside in the Imphal valley, while Nagas and Kukis, comprising 40% of the population living mostly in hill districts.