Indian opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, was stopped by local police Thursday on his way to examine the situation in the violence-struck northeastern state of Manipur. The 53 year-old was traveling to Churachandpur district, which is one of the most affected areas in ongoing violent clashes.

Gandhi’s convoy was halted at Bishnupur, around 20 km away from the state capital city of Imphal. Security officers cited security concerns for the halt, and resorted to teargas shells to disperse the large crowd that had amassed. The local police chief, Heisnam Balram, warned of a possible grenade attack along the highway through which the convoy was moving. Subsequently, they advised Mr. Gandhi to complete the remaining part of his journey via helicopter.

The current episode of communal violence in Manipur emerged following a March order by the Manipur High Court in the case of Mutum Churamani Meetei v. The State of Manipur. The order, authored by Justice M V Muralidharan, directed the inclusion of the Hindu majority Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes, which comes with access to educational, employment and other economic benefits. The predominantly Christian Kuki and Naga communities, who already enjoy the status of Scheduled Tribes, launched protests vehemently criticizing the High Court order. Consequently, violence broke out to such heightened degree that the government ordered the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, to immediately take measures to restore peace.

In May, the Supreme Court heard challenges to the Manipur High Court order in the case of Dinganglung Gangmei v. Mutum Churamani Meetei. Further hearings are scheduled for July 17, 2023.