Fresh clashes broke out between members of the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur's capital city of Imphal on Monday, during which rioters were seen setting houses on fire.
According to media reports, the Indian Army and the country's paramilitary forces have been rushed in to restore law and order in the state.
So far, police have arrested at least three individuals over alleged involvement in the riots.
Clashes in Manipur
Violent ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur in early May between Meiteis and Kuki tribes in the state. According to an Indian media report, 74 people died in the violence that had simmered for more than a week.
On Monday, the state authorities extended the ban on internet services for five more days, citing reports of continued “incidents such as arson of houses and premises”.
The state government has also shortened the curfew from 6am to 2pm rather than 6am to 4pm as it was previously.
Meiteis, who constitute about 55 percent of the total state population, are demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a demand opposed by members of the Kuki tribe - who make up about 16 percent of the state population. The Kuki fear that if the state government meets the ST demand, it will be a loss for them.
ST status would entitle them to reservations in public jobs and educational institutes, giving them access to forest lands.
However, Manipur State Chief Nongthombam Biren Singh said there was no animosity between the two groups, and the violence continued because of resistance to the government’s forest conservation policy and poppy clearing.