Enable GingerCPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on May 6

THE situation in Manipur, which witnessed large-scale violence and ethnic clashes, had reached alarming proportions.  There has been vandalisation of houses, arson and attacks on properties, churches and temples across five districts. The clashes have led to a number of deaths.

With the deployment of the army and central police forces, the situation has been brought under some control, though incidents are still occurring.  There are people still trapped in their houses or localities and thousands have been displaced from their homes.

The BJP state government failed to anticipate the developing situation and was late in trying to intervene to maintain law and order.  The policy of the state government in ordering large-scale evictions of people in the hill areas in the name of forest protection and removing ‘outsiders’ contributed to the aggravation of fears and led to widespread protests in certain hill districts.

The immediate task is to restore peace and normalcy before addressing the issues which led to this sharp and violent conflict.  The state government, with the help of the centre, should take all steps to rehabilitate the displaced people in their places of stay.

The state government should call an all-party meeting, so that a united effort can be made to tackle the situation.