<p>Merely a couple of days after mobile internet services were restored in the northeast Indian state of Manipur, the government has once again decided to suspend the services. In a circular released on Tuesday (Sep 26) evening, the Manipur government said in light&nbsp;of the ongoing law and order situation, mobile internet services will remain suspended for five days till October 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for 5 days with immediate effect till 7:45 PM of 01-10-2023," read the notification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government said the main purpose of suspending the services was to ensure that disinformation and false rumours cannot spread across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In view of the prevalling law and order situation in the State of Manipur, the State Government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter."</p>

<p>The decision comes after the state has been embroiled in fresh protests that flared up after two students were brutally murdered by suspected armed men.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was only over the weekend that internet services were restored in the state after being snapped for nearly five months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister N Biren Singh had made the announcement&nbsp;but the deterioration in the law and order situation&nbsp;situation has forced his government to track back on the situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Who is accountable?</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 160 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced.</p>

<p>The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis&nbsp;constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-union-ministers-house-set-on-fire-by-arsonists-605003"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Union ministers' house set on fire by arsonists</strong></a></p>

<p>What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Merely a couple of days after mobile internet services were restored in the northeast Indian state of Manipur, the government has once again decided to suspend the services.

Merely a couple of days after mobile internet services were restored in the northeast Indian state of Manipur, the government has once again decided to suspend the services. In a circular released on Tuesday (Sep 26) evening, the Manipur government said in light of the ongoing law and order situation, mobile internet services will remain suspended for five days till October 1. "The state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for 5 days with immediate effect till 7:45 PM of 01-10-2023," read the notification. The government said the main purpose of suspending the services was to ensure that disinformation and false rumours cannot spread across the state. "In view of the prevalling law and order situation in the State of Manipur, the State Government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter." The decision comes after the state has been embroiled in fresh protests that flared up after two students were brutally murdered by suspected armed men. Notably, it was only over the weekend that internet services were restored in the state after being snapped for nearly five months. Chief Minister N Biren Singh had made the announcement but the deterioration in the law and order situation situation has forced his government to track back on the situation. Watch | Manipur violence: Who is accountable? × What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 160 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Also read | Manipur violence: Union ministers' house set on fire by arsonists What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Mobile internet services suspended in Manipur for five days amid protests

<p>The Indian Supreme Court on Monday said that it cannot usurp the responsibilities of the state of the government and uphold law and order in the violence-hit Manipur state after a plea sought the court’s intervention.</p>

<p>The remarks came during the Supreme Court's hearing of the matter after two petitions were filed.</p>

<p>The first plea was filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi seeking the protection of the Kuki tribe by the Indian Army.</p>

<p>The second petition was filed by the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dinganglung Gangmei, challenging the direction of the Manipur High Court to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, which provides for reservation in educational institutes and jobs.</p>

<p>It was this issue of adding the Meitei community to the ST list that triggered the riots in the state.</p>

<h2><strong>‘State-sponsored violence’</strong></h2>

<p>The hearing witnessed a brief heated moment after the lawyer of one of the petitioners, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, alleged that the unrest in Manipur is "state-sponsored violence".</p>

<p>This invited a sharp retort from Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud who said, "We do not want this platform to be used for further escalation of violence in the state."</p>

<p>While responding to a plea asking for SC’s intervention to stop the violence, the two-judge bench said, “We can only monitor the steps being taken by the state and pass certain orders if there are additional measures that can be taken. But we can't run the security apparatus."</p>

<h2>India's Manipur state on the boil, Internet has been snapped since first week of May&nbsp;</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-manipur-state-on-the-boil-internet-has-been-snapped-since-first-week-of-may-details-611233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Status report</strong></h2>

<p>In the last hearing, the court sought the latest status report from the Manipur government regarding the current status of the violent clashes between communities that erupted in May this year.</p>

<p>While submitting the updated status report on Monday, government’s counsel Tushar Mehta said, “We, on this side, are for the public...The matter may be taken up by the petitioner with the utmost sensitivity because any misinformation may aggravate the situation in the State. Things are returning to normalcy after a lot of efforts from the central and state government.”</p>

<p>After observing the report, CJI Chandrachud asked Gonsalves, who is representing the Manipur Tribal Forum, to “have a look at the status report”.</p>

<p>“Come here with concrete suggestions, we will give them to the SG (Mehta), and have them consider the same. Formulate them by tomorrow."</p>

<p>&nbsp;The Manipur government submitted the latest status report on the situation while the hearing on the same will resume on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The court will hear the matter next tomorrow.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Indian Supreme Court on Monday said that it cannot usurp the responsibilities of the state of the government and uphold law and order in the violence-hit Manipur state after a plea sought the court’s intervention.

The Indian Supreme Court on Monday said that it cannot usurp the responsibilities of the state of the government and uphold law and order in the violence-hit Manipur state after a plea sought the court’s intervention. The remarks came during the Supreme Court's hearing of the matter after two petitions were filed. The first plea was filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi seeking the protection of the Kuki tribe by the Indian Army. The second petition was filed by the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dinganglung Gangmei, challenging the direction of the Manipur High Court to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, which provides for reservation in educational institutes and jobs. It was this issue of adding the Meitei community to the ST list that triggered the riots in the state. ‘State-sponsored violence’ The hearing witnessed a brief heated moment after the lawyer of one of the petitioners, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, alleged that the unrest in Manipur is "state-sponsored violence". This invited a sharp retort from Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud who said, "We do not want this platform to be used for further escalation of violence in the state." While responding to a plea asking for SC’s intervention to stop the violence, the two-judge bench said, “We can only monitor the steps being taken by the state and pass certain orders if there are additional measures that can be taken. But we can't run the security apparatus." India's Manipur state on the boil, Internet has been snapped since first week of May Status report In the last hearing, the court sought the latest status report from the Manipur government regarding the current status of the violent clashes between communities that erupted in May this year. While submitting the updated status report on Monday, government’s counsel Tushar Mehta said, “We, on this side, are for the public...The matter may be taken up by the petitioner with the utmost sensitivity because any misinformation may aggravate the situation in the State. Things are returning to normalcy after a lot of efforts from the central and state government.” After observing the report, CJI Chandrachud asked Gonsalves, who is representing the Manipur Tribal Forum, to “have a look at the status report”. “Come here with concrete suggestions, we will give them to the SG (Mehta), and have them consider the same. Formulate them by tomorrow." The Manipur government submitted the latest status report on the situation while the hearing on the same will resume on Tuesday. The court will hear the matter next tomorrow. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Manipur violence: Can’t take away state’s job in upholding law and order, Indian SC says

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuide3EGfg9sEB0I" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Indian men's football team won the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, defeating Kuwait on penalties. The celebrations, however, took a controversial turn after midfielder Jeakson Singh was spotted carrying a Meitei&nbsp;flag with seven colours when going to collect his medals at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>Singh wore on his back the flag of Kangleipak, or the Salai Taret Flag. The rectangular flag with seven colours represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of ancient Manipur.</p>

<p>After images of Singh wearing the flag went viral, netizens were left divided. While many regard the flag as secessionist and in turn slated Singh for wearing it, some lauded him for bringing attention to the ongoing situation in Manipur.</p>

<p>"What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball," wrote one netizen.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/d1dvLj9sNn">pic.twitter.com/d1dvLj9sNn</a></p>
— Siam Boy (@Aamtolzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aamtolzo/status/1676277703568416768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Playing for India and wearing Meitei secessionist Flag begs the question of loyalty of Jeakson Singh to the Indian Nation. The entire stadium abounds with the national flag and he chose to drape himself in this anti-national symbol??" added another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another user wrote: "Jeakson you’re brilliant in the field and heart. Keep shining. What a character you got brother. Your intentions of highlighting Manipur for peace restoration is well received. We all are with you Champ."</p>

<h2><strong>Jeakson releases statement</strong></h2>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, Singh released a statement saying his intention was not to hurt sentiments. Instead, he wanted to bring the Manipur violence issue to notice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians,” he wrote on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur. Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight!” added Singh, with hashtags “Save Manipur” and “Peace and Love” apart from “India” and “SAFF Championship 2023”.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Fans,<br />
<br />
By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently.<br />
<br />
This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians. <a href="https://t.co/fuL8TE8dU4">pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4</a></p>
— Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeaksonT/status/1676330487697272835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people — a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes.</p>

<p>After the initial round of violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state to take stock of the situation and requested for '15-days of calm' to simmer down the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His request seemingly worked as violence abated before flaring up again. The situation has remained tense since then as authorities fail to restore peace in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-no-end-to-meitei-kuki-clashes-608341"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Manipur violence: No end to Meitei-Kuki clashes</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-no-end-to-meitei-kuki-clashes-608341/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SAFF Championship finals</strong></h2>

<p>India beat Kuwait in a hard-fought encounter, in front of a packed Kanteerava crowd. After going down one goal in the 14th minute, India managed to equalise in the 38th minute and took the game to penalties.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saff-championships-final-india-down-kuwait-to-clinch-historic-triumph-gurpreet-yet-again-turns-shootout-hero-611974"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;SAFF Championships Final: India down Kuwait to clinch ninth title; Gurpreet yet again turns shootout hero</strong></a></p>

<p>Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu once again proved to be the difference-maker as he saved two penalties, helping the hosts lift the SAFF trophy, for a record ninth time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Indian men's football team won the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, defeating Kuwait on penalties. The celebrations, however, took a controversial turn after midfielder Jeakson Singh was spotted carrying a Meitei flag with seven colours when going to collect his medals at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru.

Indian men's football team won the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, defeating Kuwait on penalties. The celebrations, however, took a controversial turn after midfielder Jeakson Singh was spotted carrying a Meitei flag with seven colours when going to collect his medals at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru. Singh wore on his back the flag of Kangleipak, or the Salai Taret Flag. The rectangular flag with seven colours represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of ancient Manipur. After images of Singh wearing the flag went viral, netizens were left divided. While many regard the flag as secessionist and in turn slated Singh for wearing it, some lauded him for bringing attention to the ongoing situation in Manipur. "What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball," wrote one netizen. What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/d1dvLj9sNn — Siam Boy (@Aamtolzo) July 4, 2023 × "Playing for India and wearing Meitei secessionist Flag begs the question of loyalty of Jeakson Singh to the Indian Nation. The entire stadium abounds with the national flag and he chose to drape himself in this anti-national symbol??" added another. Meanwhile, another user wrote: "Jeakson you’re brilliant in the field and heart. Keep shining. What a character you got brother. Your intentions of highlighting Manipur for peace restoration is well received. We all are with you Champ." Jeakson releases statement After the controversy snowballed, Singh released a statement saying his intention was not to hurt sentiments. Instead, he wanted to bring the Manipur violence issue to notice. “Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians,” he wrote on social media. “I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur. Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight!” added Singh, with hashtags “Save Manipur” and “Peace and Love” apart from “India” and “SAFF Championship 2023”. Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians. pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4 — Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) July 4, 2023 × What is happening in Manipur? The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people — a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. After the initial round of violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state to take stock of the situation and requested for '15-days of calm' to simmer down the situation. His request seemingly worked as violence abated before flaring up again. The situation has remained tense since then as authorities fail to restore peace in the region. WATCH | Manipur violence: No end to Meitei-Kuki clashes × SAFF Championship finals India beat Kuwait in a hard-fought encounter, in front of a packed Kanteerava crowd. After going down one goal in the 14th minute, India managed to equalise in the 38th minute and took the game to penalties. Also read | SAFF Championships Final: India down Kuwait to clinch ninth title; Gurpreet yet again turns shootout hero Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu once again proved to be the difference-maker as he saved two penalties, helping the hosts lift the SAFF trophy, for a record ninth time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Manipur issue: Indian midfielder Jeakson Singh sports Meitei flag at SAFF Championship

<p>Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, world boxing champion Laishram Sarita Devi and 11 others have written a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, May 30 to intervene and stop the ongoing violence in Manipur. The state in northeast India, with the city of Imphal as its capital, has been impacted by severe riots in the last few weeks. To stop the violence 13 athletes have now come forward as they threaten to return their government-awarded honours and also the medals they have earned for the nation for peace.</p>

<h2><strong>Athletes meet Amit Shah</strong></h2>

<p>The panel of athletes consisted of L Anita Chanu, weightlifter N Kunjarani Devi, boxer Sarita Devi, footballer Oinam Bembem, Olympian Ngangbam Soniya Chanu, and Wushu athlete M Bimoljit, who submitted a memorandum to Shah during his visit to the Imphal Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, 30 May.</p>

<p>The request particularly highlighted the issues faced by the state where the central government has acted and employed a big security force to enable peace.</p>

<p>"We don't want to fight. We just want peace to return to Manipur. Right now, it is a fight between the Kuki militants and Meiteis," boxer Sarita Devi said.</p>

<p>"Every day Meiteis are being killed, their houses are being burnt down, and children have lost their parents. The Centre has said that it has deployed about 40,000 forces in the state, but they are nowhere to be seen.</p>

<p>"The forces cite the Suspension of Operations (SoO) as the reason behind not being able to take any action against the militants. It has been a month since Manipur is burning,” the memorandum added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-t20-world-cup-2007-to-ipl-2023-triumph-listing-captain-cool-ms-dhonis-nine-t20-trophies-598734/#4-ipl-2011-win-598704">From T20 World Cup 2007 to IPL 2023 triumph: Listing Captain Cool MS Dhoni's nine T20 trophies</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is the reason behind the Manipur riots?</strong></h2>

<p>The violence in Manipur started on Wednesday, May 3 in Churachandpur's Torbung area where the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) took out the 'Tribal Solidarity March' to protest the demand for Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, world boxing champion Laishram Sarita Devi and 11 others have written a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, May 30 to intervene and stop the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, world boxing champion Laishram Sarita Devi and 11 others have written a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, May 30 to intervene and stop the ongoing violence in Manipur. The state in northeast India, with the city of Imphal as its capital, has been impacted by severe riots in the last few weeks. To stop the violence 13 athletes have now come forward as they threaten to return their government-awarded honours and also the medals they have earned for the nation for peace. Athletes meet Amit Shah The panel of athletes consisted of L Anita Chanu, weightlifter N Kunjarani Devi, boxer Sarita Devi, footballer Oinam Bembem, Olympian Ngangbam Soniya Chanu, and Wushu athlete M Bimoljit, who submitted a memorandum to Shah during his visit to the Imphal Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, 30 May. The request particularly highlighted the issues faced by the state where the central government has acted and employed a big security force to enable peace. "We don't want to fight. We just want peace to return to Manipur. Right now, it is a fight between the Kuki militants and Meiteis," boxer Sarita Devi said. "Every day Meiteis are being killed, their houses are being burnt down, and children have lost their parents. The Centre has said that it has deployed about 40,000 forces in the state, but they are nowhere to be seen. "The forces cite the Suspension of Operations (SoO) as the reason behind not being able to take any action against the militants. It has been a month since Manipur is burning,” the memorandum added. ALSO READ | From T20 World Cup 2007 to IPL 2023 triumph: Listing Captain Cool MS Dhoni's nine T20 trophies What is the reason behind the Manipur riots? The violence in Manipur started on Wednesday, May 3 in Churachandpur's Torbung area where the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) took out the 'Tribal Solidarity March' to protest the demand for Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, Sarita Devi threaten to return honours if violence continues in Manipur

manipur-riots

Manipur Riots, News on Manipur Riots, stories on Manipur Riots, articles on Manipur Riots, Manipur Riots stories at Wion, Manipur Riots news, Manipur Riots latest news

manipur riots

India: Mobile internet services suspended in Manipur for five days amid protests

Manipur violence: Can’t take away state’s job in upholding law and order, Indian SC says

Manipur issue: Indian midfielder Jeakson Singh sports Meitei flag at SAFF Championship

Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, Sarita Devi threaten to return honours if violence continues in Manipur