'My state Manipur is burning': Boxer Mary Kom appeals for help from PM Modi, Amit Shah

The six-time boxing world champion called for calm amid the violence.

Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom has urged the Centre to assist in bringing the unrest in Manipur under control. The six-time boxing world champion in a tweet appealed for calm amid widespread violence in Manipur against the inclusion of the majority Meitei community in the ST (Scheduled Tribes) category.

"My state Manipur is burning, kindly help,” Mary Kom tweeted in the early hours of Thursday. The legendary boxer also posted photographs of the mayhem, mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in her post.

The violence erupted on Wednesday during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' planned by the All-Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to oppose the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation by non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley.

Thousands of protesters took part in the event, during which conflicts between tribals and non-tribals erupted and expanded to other districts, according to a senior police officer.

The Army and Assam Rifles were sent during the night, and together with state police, the forces were able to end the violence by the morning, according to a defence spokesperson.

So far, 4,000 people have been evacuated and shelter provided by the troops, he said, adding that more people are being relocated to safer areas. "Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control," he explained.