There are several pieces of evidence that suggest the violence in Manipur on May 3 was pre-planned:

• Timing: The violence occurred on the day when the State Assembly was scheduled to discuss a bill that would have allowed outsiders to purchase land in Manipur. This suggests that the perpetrators intentionally chose this day to create chaos and disrupt the legislative process.
• Coordination: The violence was widespread and involved attacks on government buildings, police stations, and elected representatives. Such a coordinated effort indicates that it was not a spontaneous outburst but rather a well-planned operation.
• Weapons: The attackers reportedly possessed firearms, grenades, and petrol bombs, indicating that they had access to weapons beforehand. This suggests that the violence was not an impromptu incident but a carefully orchestrated act of aggression.
• Targeted Buildings: The attackers specifically targeted government buildings and police stations, suggesting that they had prior knowledge of their locations and strategic importance.
• Escape Routes: Reports suggest that the attackers had pre-planned escape routes and used them effectively to evade arrest. This indicates a level of preparation and awareness about the possible consequences of their actions.

While these pieces of evidence do not definitively prove pre-planning, they strongly indicate that the violence on May 3 in Manipur was not a spontaneous event but rather a well-coordinated and premeditated act. Additional investigation is necessary to gather more evidence and establish the truth definitively.