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Indian Troops Deployed to Manipur Site of Last Week's Ethnic Clashes

by VOA News

   Thousands of Indian troops have been deployed to the Indian state of
   Manipur where deadly ethnic clashes erupted last week.

   The violence broke out last week because the Meitei community is
   seeking to be included in the Scheduled Tribe category, which would
   give them access to forest lands and a percentage of government jobs
   and college placements in designated institutions.

   The Meiteis who are Hindus make up more than 50% of the Manipur
   population. Other ethnic groups already on the Scheduled Tribe list,
   which are predominantly Christian, fear that if the Meiteis receive the
   designation they will see their benefits cut back.

   In the skirmishes last week, gunshots rang out, fires broke out, and
   thousands of people fled their homes. Cars, houses and churches were
   torched.

   Home Minister Amit Shah said Monday that the situation in Manipur is
   under control and urged people to be peaceful.