UPSC CSE Prelims in Manipur: Overcoming the challenges arising from ethnic violence in Manipur, more than 3,300 candidates appeared for the UPSC preliminary examinations on Sunday at 12 designated centres, according to an official. No untoward incidents have been reported in the state capital since this morning, as confirmed by the police. Out of the 4,051 candidates registered for the UPSC preliminary tests at 12 sub-centres in Imphal, 700 chose to appear for the exam at centres outside the state due to the ongoing violence, said an official from the Manipur Public Service Commission.
UPSC Prelims: Over 3,300 Candidates Participate in Manipur
To accommodate civil service aspirants from Manipur amidst the violence that began on May 3, the Union Public Service Commission provided the option to appear for the preliminary tests at centres in Aizwal, Kohima, Shillong, Kolkata, and Delhi, along with the provision of using documents such as admit cards as curfew passes on the day of the exam, the official added.
Security has been tightened across the state following the ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei community and the Kukis, according to a police officer. G. Leivon, a tribal candidate from Bishnupur district, stated, "I didn't face any problems coming to Imphal for the exam. The situation is normal in the greater Imphal area, and we hope there won't be any issues during and after the tests." Another candidate, Th. Nikita, mentioned that her preparation for the UPSC prelims, a crucial stage for aspiring civil servants, was somewhat affected by the internet suspension. "Our preparations were impacted to some extent in the last 25 days due to the internet suspension as our tutors and instructors couldn't share study notes with us. However, we have come here to appear for the exam without any disturbance."
During this month, ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur resulted in the loss of over 70 lives, leading to the deployment of 10,000 security forces, the imposition of a curfew, and the suspension of internet services. The clashes erupted after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised on May 3 in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Prior to the violence, tensions had been simmering over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had sparked a series of smaller agitations. The Meiteis make up approximately 53% of Manipur's population and reside mostly in the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kukis, classified as tribals, constitute around 40% and reside in the hill districts.
