Manipur violence flares up again, at least 54 dead; Army takes control

Manipur violence: The situation in Manipur remains tense. 54 people have died so far during the ongoing protest by tribals against the court order on Scheduled Tribe status. Over 1,100 people from Manipur’s Jiribam district and adjoining areas have taken shelter in Assam’s Cachar district following violence in the neighboring state, officials said on Saturday.

Manipur violence: People leaving for Assam

Most of the migrants are from the Kuki community. Their houses in Manipur have been destroyed by those groups. L Mungpu, a 43-year-old Jiribam resident, said, “It was around 10 pm on Thursday when we heard screams in our area and it took us a few minutes to realize that we were under attack. The miscreants were pelting stones at us, threatening us and said this is their last fight.”

A CRPF CoBRA commando, who was on leave in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, was shot dead by armed assailants in his village on Friday, officials told PTI. The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences at Lamphel in Imphal West district has reported 23 deaths, the official said.

Assam government stands with Manipur in this situation

The Chief Minister on Friday directed the Cachar district administration to take care of Manipur violence-affected families. He is in constant touch with his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh. Silchar MP Rajdeep Roy said the central government is closely monitoring the issue and the Assam government stands by Manipur in this situation.

Security forces to be deployed at 23 places in violence-hit Manipur

Manipur’s Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh told ANI, “Manipur administration is preparing the force to deploy them at 23 locations along with various police stations. The sensitive areas are dominated by RAF, Assam Rifles, BSF and IRB. Manipur DGP on Friday said miscreants have looted arms and ammunition from 23 police stations.

Home Minister Amit Shah reviews the situation in Manipur

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the situation in Manipur with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and top officials, sources said, even as the Center sent additional security forces and anti-riot vehicles to maintain peace there.