Guwahati: Life is limping back to normalcy in violence-hit Manipur as people came out of their homes in state capital Imphal to buy essential items with the curfew bring relaxed for a few hours on Monday.
Meanwhile, drones and helicopter continued a close watch in the violence-hit areas.
Army and Assam Rifles held flag marches in different areas that have been rocked by ethnic violence over the last few days.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said he was thankful to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his supervision and support to help improve the situation in the violence-hit state.
So far, 23,000 people have been rescued from the violence-hit areas and moved to military garrisons.
The clashes broke out on Wednesday after tribals organised a demonstration in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to the deaths of at least 54 people.
The curfew, imposed on Wednesday after the violence broke out, was relaxed from 5 am to 8 am in Imphal West district to allow people buy essential items.
Civilians, who were rescued by the personnel of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles in the violence-hit Manipur, have thanked both the armed forces for their efforts to restore normalcy in the state.
Security forces have rescued around 23,000 civilians do far, who have been given shelter at military garrisons across Manipur.
At least 54 people have lost their lives in the violence that broke out in Manipur since May 3.
“A total of approximately 13,000 civilians have been rescued and are currently staying in various makeshift facilities specifically created for the purpose within company operating bases and military garrisons,” the defence official said.