Manipur violence: Situation under control, normalcy to be restored soon, Army assures

Manipur violence: In view of violence in parts of Manipur, the Indian Army assured that the situation in Moreh and Kangpokpi areas is stable and that efforts are underway to bring back the normalcy in state.

The Army added that the situation was brought under control and the situation will be better soon in Imphal and Churachandpur areas.

“Situation in Moreh and Kangpokpi brought under control and it is stable. All efforts are underway to restore normalcy in Imphal and Churachandpur. The precautionary build-up of additional troops in Manipur continued,” said Army officials.

Army Action plan

Additional columns were also redeployed from Nagaland, they said.

“In addition, Indian Air Force will be undertaking flying operations to induct additional Indian Army columns commencing tonight from Guwahati and Tezpur,” said Indian Army.

Security has been beefed up and forces have been deployed in Manipur. Flag marches are being held to control the situation after violence erupted on May 3 during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) Manipur to protest the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday held a meeting to ensure the safety and security of students from Meghalaya following reports of violence in Manipur.

Manipur violence: Students’ safety on top

The CM emphasised the safety of all students in the meeting which was attended by senior government officials. He also asked the officials to come up with a plan for the evacuation of students if such a situation arises.

He said that Government has a helpline service for students or family members to reach out to the government in case of emergencies.

The Army urged people to be alert about fake videos.

The Spear Corps, Indian Army said in a tweet, “Fake Videos on the security situation in Manipur including a video of an attack on Assam Rifles post being circulated by inimical elements for vested interests. #IndianArmy requests all to rely on content through official & verified sources only.”

Violence broke out on May 3 during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ which was called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand of Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The state government has suspended mobile internet for five days to tackle the falling law and order situation after tribal groups protest in many parts of Manipur. A night curfew has been imposed in many districts of the state along with a ban on large gatherings.