Assam University urges fraternity members not to spread rumours or organise gathering on Manipur violence for maintaining peace

The Assam University has issued a notice to all its fraternity members urging them not to share any news or rumours in any platform or organise any gathering relating to the on-going violence in Manipur. The notice signed by Registrar Dr. Pradosh Kiran Nath dated May 5, 2023 states that such actions may provoke or incite hate and fear and spread disharmony amongst people. The university has also called on all it’s fraternity members to stand by the government and the people in ensuring peace.

It maybe mentioned that Manipur has been marred by violence since May 3 when tribal people of the state attended the Tribal Solidarity March called by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to protest against the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST category. More than 60,000 people were said to have attended the rally and violence erupted as the Kukis and Meiteis clashed with each other on the streets.

The All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) alleged that clashes broke out after some miscreants burnt a portion of the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial gate at Churachandpur which was reminiscent of the resistance put forward by the Kukis against Britishers in 1917. Curfew was subsequently imposed in eight districts of Manipur on May 3 following the violence. As the violence could not be contained despite the imposition of curfew, the Governor of Manipur on May 4 issued a “Shoot at Sight Order” in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force etc. had been exhausted thus making it the last resort.

Neighbouring states like Assam and Mizoram lended a helping hand to the residents of Manipur affected by violence by allowing them to take shelter in bordering areas of their respective states.

As per Cachar DC Rohan Kumar Jha, around 1,100 people from Manipur have taken shelter in bordering areas of Cachar district by crossing Jiri river and this number might increase. A majority of these people have stationed in Lakhinagar area of Cachar in their relative’s houses, community halls and schools.