Imphal ,dt. 4

The ongoing Violence between the Matei and Kuki communities in Manipur has been going on for over a month. Due to this conflict, the prices of essential materials in the state are skyrocketing and ATMs have run out of cash. Black market of petrol is happening and people have to buy it for Rs.200. Apart from this, there is severe shortage of life-saving medicines in the state and drug shops are opening for few hours. Internet is also off.

On the other hand, the central government has constituted a three-member commission headed by former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajay Lamba to probe the Manipur violence. The commission has been asked to submit the inquiry report within six months. Other members of the commission include retired IAS Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar.

The violence in Manipur started on May 3 when violence broke out during a tribal unity march against the Metei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (AT) status. More than 98 people were killed and 310 injured in clashes between the Matei and Kuki communities after Hisa started.

So far thousands of people have been rendered homeless and forced to stay in relief camps in Manipur , Delhi , Dimapur and Guwahati. The state government said on June 2 that a total of 37,450 people are currentlyliving in 272 relief camps.

Prices of essential items have gone up as trucks of essential items are not allowed to enter Imphal. The price of rice has increased from Rs.30 to Rs.60. The price of onion has increased from 35 rupees to 70 rupees. The price of potato has increased from 15 rupees to 40 rupees. The price of eggs has increased from Rs 6 to Rs 10.

People are facing difficulties in cash and online transactions as the ATMs run out of cash and the internet is down. It may be mentioned that Union Minister Amit Shah said in his recent trip to Manipur thatproper arrangements have been made for the supply of gas cylinders , petrol and vegetables.