Violence has once again flared up in Manipur. In such a situation, 10 more companies of central forces have reached the state. On the other hand, members of a prominent tribal organization can meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today.

Significantly, the clashes started after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. At least more than 160 people have lost their lives in the state since then. The violence has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.

Let me tell you, on Saturday, three people of Meitei community were shot dead inside their houses in Kwakta area of Manipur. Hours later, two people from the tribal Kuki community were killed in Churachandpur district. However, it is not yet clear whether the two incidents are linked.

After this violence broke out again. In view of the worsening situation, companies of additional security forces were called in the state. In an order issued on August 5, the official said that after the night of violence, five Central Reserve Police Force, three Border Security Force and one each Sashastra Seema Bal and Indo-Tibetan Border Police teams reached the violence-hit state.

A security force official spoke on the condition of anonymity on the developments. He said that in view of the violence, more forces were required. Troops will be deployed in places where there are continuous reports of violence or where there is tension. He said that more personnel are needed to monitor the buffer zone if the clashes have to be stopped completely.

At least 125 companies of various paramilitary forces, about 164 companies of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles are now present in the northeastern state, which has been wracked by ethnic conflicts for the past three months. A company has about 120-135 employees. There are about 55-70 soldiers in an army unit.