Uneasy calm prevails in violence-hit Manipur
However, a transport fuel crisis also keeps the people in distress while official and banking functions were badly affected in most parts of the northeastern states
Imphal: An uneasy calm prevailed in ethnic violence-battered Manipur even as the authorities relaxed the curfew in three districts including most volatile Churachandpur district for three hours on Monday morning while the Army and central para-military forces continued their vigil in the strife-torn areas. Newly-appointed security advisor to Manipur government Kuldiep Singh, a former CRPF chief, said that at least 37 people were killed and over a 100 people injured in the series of ethnic violence in different districts of Manipur since May 3.
However, various media reports, quoting hospital sources said that at least 50 to 55 people, including women, have been killed in the attacks and counter attacks by the rival ethnic groups in at least six districts since May 3, when widespread violent clashes, attacks and arson broke out across Manipur during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST category. Officials said that the authorities relaxed the curfew in three districts - Churachandpur, Juribam and Inphal West - on Monday morning. People, in large numbers, came out of their houses to buy essentials in various markets during curfew relaxation hours. However, a transport fuel crisis also put the people in distress while official and banking functions were badly affected in most parts of the northeastern states.
Kuldiep Singh said that peace meetings by the public representatives and community leaders were held in nine places in different districts on Sunday and such meetings are being held on Monday in more places across the strife-torn state.
He said that 134 arms, looted by the miscreants and agitators, have so far returned and the district authorities appealed to the people to return the looted arms immediately. Singh said that 23 police stations in different districts have been identified as most vulnerable and the Army and Central Armed Police Forces were adequately deployed in these areas.
Flag marches by the Army and Assam Rifles are continuing in over six districts, especially in the most Vvolatile Churachandpur district, Singh added. Mobile internet services were still suspended since last week across Manipur.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a tweet on Monday said : “As the situation in Manipur continues to improve and normalcy returns, I am thankful to the Shri Amit Shah Ji for his constant supervision and support to make this feat possible.”