Northeast Frontier Railways has cancelled all Manipur-bound trains in light of recent conflicts in the Northeastern state, taking into account the law and order situation there.
“No trains are entering Manipur till the situation is improved. The decision has been taken after the Manipur government advised to stop train movement,” Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, told the sources.
Meanwhile, the Indian railways have also cancelled the operations of four trains for 5 May and 5 May following violence in the state.
“Manipur state authorities have advised to stop train operations in Manipur due to the prevailing Law and Order situation there. 4 trains have been cancelled. The decision was taken initially only for May 5 and 6,” the railways said.
A rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) Manipur to protest the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category resulted in violence on 3 May. As a result, army and paramilitary forces were deployed there, and flag marches were held to try to control the situation.
Earlier on Thursday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called an urgent meeting to ensure the safety of students from Meghalaya following reports of violence in Manipur.
In the meeting attended by senior government officials, the CM highlighted that the safety of all students must be ensured. He also directed the officials to come up with a plan for the evacuation of students if the situation arises.
Sangma said that over 200 residents of Meghalaya are studying in Manipur and that the Government is putting in place a helpline for students or family members to reach out to in case of emergencies.