On Tuesday, Closed businesses, indoor stay for residents due to tension arises.
In Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, India, tensions escalated on Tuesday as authorities took measures to address ethnic clashes that have resulted in numerous deaths and displacements.
Additional security forces were deployed, with 600 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel sent to areas with a mixed population of Kukis and Meiteis, the two ethnic groups involved in the clashes.
The move came after fresh incidents of arson were reported, including the torching of two houses by a mob led by armed individuals, forcing businesses to remain closed and people to stay indoors. intimidating shopkeepers, according to Manipur’s security adviser, Kuldeep Singh.
Former BJP MLA Telvum Thangzalam Haokip, who served as a Deputy Speaker in the Manipur Assembly, is one of the three individuals arrested in relation to the recent unrest in Imphal. The city experienced tension in the New Checkon Bazaar area, which has a mixed population, on Monday. During an altercation, a group of troublemakers attempted to force vendors to close their shops, leading to a mob setting fire to abandoned houses belonging to Kuki community members. Security personnel intervened and apprehended two armed men, as well as former MLA Haokip.
The local population, fearing further attacks, took matters into their own hands and set up makeshift “bunkers” in certain locations, such as Pukhao and Leitanpokpi, where locals armed with licensed guns guarded their neighborhoods.
In response to the recent violence, the government decided to dispatch approximately 1,800 CRPF and Assam Rifles personnel to the state over the next two days.
The objective is to restore normalcy and prevent any further tensions in the identified areas with mixed populations.
Curfew in the area
While curfew hours were slightly relaxed, with restrictions now applying from 5 am to 2 pm, the government lifted curfew entirely in five districts: Senapati, Tamenglong, Noney, Ukhrul, and Kamjong.
The army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and BSF already have a substantial presence in Manipur, with around 10,000 personnel deployed to maintain security. Paramilitary forces are also guarding NH-2, a major highway in the state, to ensure the continued flow of supplies.
Efforts are being made to secure the affected regions and restore normalcy. However, sporadic incidents of violence were reported on Sunday and Monday.
Manipur’s CM appeal
Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, appealed to the people to refrain from torching the homes of innocent individuals.
The government has assured displaced people of their safety, leading some to gradually return to their homes, although many still reside in camps run by state and paramilitary forces. Around 39,000 displaced individuals are housed in community halls, primarily in Churachandpur district, where the where the majority of the affected population is concentrated.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, but the government’s deployment of additional security personnel aims to prevent further clashes and restore peace.
The focus is on areas with mixed populations, where tensions have been particularly high. With the gradual return of displaced individuals and the easing of curfew in certain districts, there are hopes that normalcy will be restored.
Efforts are also underway to secure major highways in the state, allowing the resumption of regular traffic.
The government’s priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, and prevent any further violence or displacement.
