Imphal, May 4: The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur to control the situation after violence broke out in the state during a tribal agitation.

Around 8,000 people of different communities have been evacuated by the soldiers to safer places.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to state Chief Minister N. Biren Singh over phone and discussed the prevailing situation.

Manipur chief minister has urged the people to maintain peace and calm and cooperate with the state government.

In a video message, CM N. Biren Singh said, “Wednesday’s incidents took place due to misunderstanding between the communities. Government would settle the genuine demands and grievances after talking with all the communities and leaders.”

The situation in Manipur turned seriously volatile as thousands of tribals on Wednesday turned up for the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) in all the 10 hill districts of Manipur to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation.

A riot-like situation prevails in Churachandpur, Senapati, Chandel, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, where shutting down of markets and suspension of public transport forced the authorities to impose a curfew.

From the videos available, many houses have been burnt and scores injured. At the same time, armed men have joined the riots, exacerbating the situation further. Protesters were also seen throwing crude bombs at houses and buildings. A gun shop was also looted in Churachandpur by miscreants, who took away several guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

The Internet has also been suspended for five days to control the situation.

From the information available, the riots have reached some parts of Imphal, and a real danger of the situation worsening further cannot be ruled out.