The order signed by the Manipur Governor this evening empowered the state’s magistrates to issue “shoot-at-sight orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted”.

Around 500 personnel of the Rapid Action Force, a riot control police, have been flown into Imphal. They join the army, Assam Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force and the state police, who have been struggling to contain the violence that started on Wednesday.

The Centre is closely monitoring the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah today held two meetings online and spoke with Chief Ministers of Manipur and its neighbouring states.

Over the last days, there have been multiple appeals for peace as visuals of houses and shops on fire flooded social media. Curfew has been imposed in eight districts. Mobile internet services have been suspended across the state. The government is yet to spell out loss of lives and injured people in numbers.

More than 9,000 people have been evacuated from violence-hit areas by the security forces. A defence spokesperson said around 5,000 people have been shifted to safe homes in Churachandpur, another 2,000 people were shifted in Imphal Valley, and 2,000 people in the border town of Moreh in Tenugopal district.

The violence started on Wednesday during a protest march by tribals against a Manipur High Court order backing the inclusion of non-tribal Meities in the list of Scheduled Tribes. It had incensed the Naga and Kuki tribals, who comprise less than 40 per cent of the population.

Though Meities comprise 64 per cent of the state’s population, they occupy 10 per cent of the state’s territory as non-tribals are not allowed to buy land in notified hill areas. Their inclusion in the ST category will enable them to purchase land and the possibility has unleashed tribal emotions. To set the process of inclusion of Meities in the ST list, the state government has to write to the Centre. The move, though, can be challenged legally.

Earlier today, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the situation in the state was moving towards normal. “The government is taking all measures to maintain the law and order… We are committed to protecting the lives and property of all our people,” he had said.

The opposition has criticised the state’s BJP-led ruling alliance. “In less than 15 months of BJP forming govt, the entire state of Manipur is in flames. But HM Shah and CryPM Modi are busy campaigning in Karnataka,” tweeted Congress’s Jairam Ramesh.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Manipur,” tweeted Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “It is not the time for politics. Politics & elections can wait but our beautiful state Manipur has to be protected first. Thus I urge the Prime Minister & Home Minister to first take care of Manipur, restore peace there,” she added.