Churachandpur Under Siege: Curfew Returns as Violence Escalates, Shoot-at-Sight Order Looms While Thousands Evacuate

The strict curfew enforced in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, limiting people's mobility, has been eased for a specific duration on Sunday. From 7 am to 10 am, residents are now permitted to move around, as per the latest notification.

The purpose behind this partial relaxation is to enable individuals to purchase essential items such as food and medicine.

Following intense clashes between tribal groups and members of the Meitei community, a curfew was enforced on May 3 in Manipur. The violent confrontations have resulted in the displacement of numerous individuals and the unfortunate loss of at least 54 lives.

In an exclusive interview with News18, Kuldiep Singh, the Security Advisor dispatched by the central government to Manipur, conveyed that the situation in the strife-torn state remains tense but is presently under control.

He further acknowledged a limited number of casualties resulting from police firing in Churachandpur. However, he emphasized that the authorities have not yet resorted to implementing "shoot-at-sight" orders.

Manipur is currently experiencing a heightened state of tension, but the Indian Army and paramilitary forces are effectively collaborating to maintain control and establish peace. On Saturday, extensive aerial surveillance operations were conducted across different regions to closely monitor and assess the situation at hand.

On Saturday, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh presided over a gathering involving representatives from various political parties to assess the prevailing circumstances. The purpose of the meeting was to collaborate on efforts to establish peace and stability within the state.

During the discussions, the attendees reached a consensus to appeal for calm among the people of Manipur, urging them to refrain from engaging in any activities that may escalate violence or create unrest. PTI quoted Singh as emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in achieving these goals.

False rumors are spreading and causing fear among the public amidst a tense situation. Assam Rifles stationed in Jiribam received information that armed individuals were potentially heading toward the town in a truck. As a result, a suspicious truck was intercepted at the Jiribam-Tamenglong border. Inside the truck, 51 local residents were found hiding, attempting to escape the violence in the state. Assam Rifles successfully rescued all the civilians and transported them safely to Cachar.

On Wednesday night, violent unrest erupted following organized protests by tribal groups such as the Kukis and Nagas. These demonstrations were held in opposition to a proposed measure that would grant scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, which forms the majority in the state.

The Meitei community, making up 53% of the population, predominantly resides in the Imphal Valley. On the other hand, the tribal communities, comprising 40% of the population and including the Nagas and Kukis, mainly inhabit the hill districts surrounding the valley.

For more updates keep visiting our website www.topstoriesworld.com  where we provide unbiased, true and top stories of the world.