Imphal: The situation in Manipur’s Imphal Valley remained generally calm on Friday with sporadic incidents of violence amid the heavy presence of security forces. More forces have been sent by road and air from neighboring states to control the violence in the state during the last 48 hours and maintain peace. A defense spokesman said that a total of 13,000 people have been evacuated to safer places. Some people have been shifted to army camps while the army has taken control of the Churachandpur, Moreh, Kakching, and Kangpokpi districts.
An intermittent exchange of fire between militant groups and security forces was also reported from various hill districts around the valley in the morning but the situation remained peaceful. The defense official said on Friday night, “In the last 12 hours, there were sporadic incidents of arson and blockade attempts by anti-social elements in Imphal East and West districts. However, the situation was brought under control through a coordinated response.”
Multiple sources said several people were killed and about a hundred people were injured in the clashes between the communities. Although the police have not confirmed this. Hospital sources said on Friday night that the bodies of a total of 36 people, who were said to be victims of the clashes, have been brought to the mortuary of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal West district.
According to sources, these bodies were brought from different districts including Imphal East and West, Churachandpur, and Bishenpur. Sources said that several people who sustained bullet injuries are being treated at RIMS and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asked Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and reviewed the situation in Manipur with top officials. Sources said that the central government has sent additional security forces and anti-riot vehicles to maintain peace in the state.
Shah is closely monitoring the situation in Manipur and was in constant touch with senior officials of the state and central government throughout the day. He also held a review meeting through video conference. In the morning, reports of encounters between security forces and militants were coming in from the hilly districts around the valley.
Intermittent encounters between militant groups and security forces involved in caste violence were reported from Kangwai in Churachandpur district, Phougakchao in the western hilly area of neighboring Bishnupur district, and Dolaithabi and Pukhao in Imphal East district, a senior police official said.
However, it is not yet known whether there has been any casualty on either side, he said. A defense official said that around 10,000 personnel of the Army and the Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur. Meanwhile, official sources said in New Delhi that at least five Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level officers and seven CRPF officers of the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police and Superintendent of Police have been deputed for the deployment of various security forces in violence-hit Manipur. The task of coordination has been entrusted.
The Central Government has rushed 20 more companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including CRPF and BSF in view of the violence in Manipur. According to officials, the Army’s Sikh Regiment is currently conducting rescue operations at Langol in Imphal West district, from where over 500 people are being shifted to safer shelters at the Limakhong military camp. Trains to Manipur were canceled with immediate effect on Friday in view of the violence in the state.
A spokesperson of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) gave this information. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Defense Department issued a statement saying, “Indian Air Force C17 Globemaster and AN32 aircraft carried out several sorties from two airstrips in Assam to airlift additional forces to the area.
According to the statement, “Deployment of security forces in the affected areas started on the night of May 4. Additional forces started the work of evacuating civilians to safer places in the early hours of May 5. The evacuation of citizens of all communities from the affected areas was carried out overnight on Thursday. A flag march is going on in Churachandpur and other sensitive areas.
The ‘All Tribal Student Union Manipur’ The ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized by ATSUM on Wednesday&8217; Violence had broken out in the Torbang area of Churachandpur district during. The march was organized on behalf of other tribal communities, including Naga and Kuki after the Manipur High Court last month directed the state government to send a recommendation to the Center within four weeks on the Meitei community’s demand for ST status.
According to the police, members of the Meitei community were allegedly attacked by a mob of armed men during the march in Torbang. Members of the Meitei community also retaliated, leading to violence across the state. The Meitei community is estimated to constitute 53 percent of the total population of Manipur. The people of this community mainly live in the Imphal Valley. Other tribal communities, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute around 40 percent of the population and live mainly in the hilly districts around the Imphal Valley. An irate mob attacked the New Chekon and Chingmeirong areas of Imphal City. On Thursday evening, two shopping malls were vandalized and set on fire, after which security forces increased patrolling on the streets.
According to a defense official, Thanlon tribal MLA Vanjagin Valte was seriously injured on Thursday by a mob who attacked him and is undergoing treatment at a hospital. Violence between the majority Meitei community and tribals in Manipur has displaced over 9,000 people from both communities. Many affected people are taking shelter in the camps of the security forces in the violence-hit areas.
The Manipur government has adopted a ‘shoot at sight’ policy to control the violence’ Ordered. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that this violence is a result of ‘misunderstanding’ in the society, and his administration is taking all measures to regain control of the situation.
