Curfew has been lifted for Imphal East, Imphal West districts from 5 am to 12 noon Friday. Following the escalation of the violence in the Churachandpur district and the Imphal Valley, it was implemented in the two districts on May 3.
Curfew Relaxation
The Manipur administration on Thursday released the most recent curfew relaxation times for the Imphal West and Imphal East districts for May 26.
Imphal West district officials issued an order stating that “there has been an improvement in the law-and-order situation in the district and therefore the restriction on the movement of any persons outside their respective residences is hereby lifted from 5 am to 12 noon on Friday.”
People would only be permitted to meet for office work and the purchase of necessities, it was noted. Employees of the engineering departments responsible for public health, power, and health have been excused from curfew regulations, along with journalists.
Ethnic clashes
74 people have died and 30,000 have been homeless as a result of ethnic riots that started on May 3. The disputes emerged as a result of the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, a move supported by the Gauhati high court. The dominant Meitei group of Manipur’s hill tribes believes that giving them ST designation would be discriminatory and restrict their access to employment and education.
According to reports, tensions are still present and prices for necessities are growing throughout the state. Since May 4, the army has been stationed in the state. The streets of important towns and far-flung villages have been patrolled by thousands of security troops. For the past three weeks, the Internet has been shut off.
According to authorities, fresh conflict broke out between a group of people and suspected militants in a region bordering the troubled districts of Bishnupur and Churachandpur on Thursday, leaving one person dead and another injured.
It was reported that militants set fire to some villagers’ homes late Tuesday night in Toronglaobi, Bishnupur district, police said. A curfew relaxation from 5 am to 4 pm was announced but was cancelled shortly after new violence was sparked. On Thursday, a 24-hour curfew was reinstated in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur.
Amit Shah to Visit Manipur
Union home minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that he will visit Manipur and remain there for three days in order to settle the dispute. The northeastern state of Manipur has been plagued by violence, and he said he will visit there next week to hold discussions with all stakeholders. This was the first significant public statement made by the Centre since ethnic riots started three weeks ago.
On Thursday, Shah met with a group from several political parties in Manipur. Shah reportedly reiterated his aspirations to visit the state to try to restore peace. He said, “Both sides should eradicate mistrust and suspicion among themselves and guarantee that peace is restored in the state.” Shah will travel to Manipur on May 29 and remain there for three days, according to Hindustan Times.