SW News: Fresh violence broke out in India’s restive Manipur state on Monday, May 22, stoking fears of intensifying hostilities. In the latest round of attacks, two houses were burned down in Imphal East district by a furious mob after four armed men, including a former lawmaker, forced people to close shops. There were no reports of any casualties in the acts of arson.

It is reported that the irate mob manhandled one of the miscreants responsible for the arson while the others escaped. Three of them were later arrested by police. According to Chief Minister Biren Singh, who belongs to the nationalist party that rules the country, one of the three in police custody is a former lawmaker. The state has been buffeted by clashes between the mostly Hindu Meitei and the Christian-dominant Kuki-Zo tribal communities since the beginning of this month.

Army personnel rushed to the area to defuse the situation by using teargas canisters. In the melee, local residents staged a protest by burning tires on the road. Curfew in Imphal East has once again been tightened following the incident.

According to the Indian defense personnel, “Four armed people threatened shopkeepers in New Chekon area to down their shutters and subsequently moved to New Lambulane area of Imphal East district. Three of them were apprehended with two single-barrel 12-bore guns. They were handed over to the police.” Meanwhile, the chief minister has appealed to the residents of Manipur to desist from violent acts, including arson.

More than 10,000 troops from several battalions sent by the federal government are stationed in Manipur to maintain law and order. More military units are likely to arrive in the state in the coming days to prevent any spurt in violence again. Troops are also conducting aerial surveillance in the restive areas. The government has also cut internet connectivity to prevent the spread of hate speech and harmful content on social media platforms.