Christian Nagas burn buildings in Hindu-majority Manipur

Posted January 5, 2006
Last Updated: Sunday, 10 July, 2005, 15:39 GMT 16:39 UK
BBC

Naga protesters in India's Manipur state have torched over 40 government buildings since Saturday, police say.

Violence erupted after rumours police had manhandled some Naga tribespeople in an attempt to break a roadblock.

Nagas are angry at state government opposition to the proposed integration of Naga majority areas in Manipur with neighbouring Nagaland state.

Meanwhile, at least three soldiers have died in an attack on their convoy south-east of the state capital Imphal.

Two other soldiers were injured in the ambush in Thoubal district, which the separatist People's Liberation Army said it carried out.

The group, whose members are Hindus from the majority Meitei community, has been fighting for independence from India since 1976.

Tight security

Manipur police said violent protests by Nagas had taken place in four districts dominated by the tribe in the last two days.

Security is being beefed up in the areas affected, the authorities say.

The Nagas, who are Christians, are outnumbered in Manipur by the Meiteis and want to be part of a greater Nagaland.

They are angry that 18 June has been declared "state integration day" in Manipur.

On that day in 2001 Manipur's legislative assembly was set alight in protest at moves to break up the state and integrate Naga-dominated districts with Nagaland.