Guwahati: The situation in Manipur has little improved on Sunday because people were seen coming out in large numbers to buy food, medicines and other essential commodities during a curfew relaxation period.
Army and Assam Rifles columns conducted a flag march through the town as soon as the curfew relaxation ended at 10 am.
According to reports, 10,000 soldiers, para-military and central police forces have been deployed in Manipur.
“Army has also significantly enhanced aerial surveillance through movement of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and redeployment of helicopters within Imphal valley,” said Defence spokeperson.
The total curfew that prohibited the movement of any person outside their homes was relaxed for three hours, from 7 am, in violence-hit Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Sunday morning allowing people to buy essentials such as medicines and food.
The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community, which has so far displaced over 13,000 people and killed at least 54.
According to reports, the clashes broke out after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday tweeted, “With the law and order situation improving in Churachandpur district and after talks were held between the state government and various stakeholders, I’m pleased to share that the curfew will be partially relaxed as per the details shared below (sic),”.
On Saturday, N Biren Singh said peace committees will be formed in every assembly constituency to ensure that peace initiatives are implemented at the grassroots level.
“Held an all-political party meeting to discuss the current situation in Manipur and to collectively work towards bringing peace and stability in the state,” Singh said.
He further added, “During the meeting, it was resolved to appeal for peace in the state, and encourage all citizens to avoid any actions that could lead to further violence or instability,”.