The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have increased their control over Manipur in the midst of reports of new violence in the state, The security troops in Churchandpur and Imphal East both stopped the shooting incidents between the two communities, when some armed criminals opened fire and fled towards higher ground, according to the Army. However, no casualties were reported, and additional operations were under progress.
Manipur has seen ethnic conflict; earlier this month, Chief Minister N Biren Singh estimated that 60 people had died. During the unrest, houses have also been set afire, and new occurrences have also been recorded from several areas of the State.
The Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and Village Defence Force (VDF) have been deployed in 38 vulnerable areas, according to information provided earlier on Friday by Chief Minister Biren Singh. Additional security forces have also been brought into the state.
The 38 locations where security personnel were deployed include Napat, Haotak, Salton Heiyaikon, Saiton Leitanpokpi, Nganukon, Salal Konjin, Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang, Torbung, Govindpur, Torbung Bunglow, Phougakchao Ikhai Maning, Phougakchao Ikhai Awang, Kwakta Maning, Terakhongshangbi, Khudekpi, Toronglaobi, oksongbung, Ngangkhalawai, Thamnapokpi, Naranseina, Sunusiphai, Phubala, Thinungei, Ningthoukhong Kha-Khunou, Ningthoukhong Macha Ebema, Upokpi, Potsangbam, Nachou, Chothe, Ngariyan Oil pump, Keinou, Irengbam Foothills, waroiching, Leimaram, Kamong, Heikrujam, Sagang Bazar and Chairel Manjil.
Appealing to the public not to have apprehension, the Chief Minister informed that operations had been conducted against armed militants in various areas in the periphery of the State. Efforts are being made to hold peace talks with all sections of people and the Government has been meeting various peace committees formed in the wake of the prevailing situation in Manipur, he added.
He further appealed to the people to refrain from violent activities and not to believe or spread any unfounded information rumours, which could create tension among different communities. He sought the support of the public towards Government efforts to bring normalcy.
In the wake of the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also slated to visit the state for three days.
Appealing to people to maintain peace, Shah said on Thursday, “There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I would appeal to both groups they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone. I will myself go to Manipur after few days and will stay there for three days and will talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace.”
