Imphal: A day after the students’ agitation gripped the Imphal valley as the protesters demanded restoring peace in violence-torn Manipur, authorities today imposed prohibitory orders in three districts to maintain law and order.
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Imphal East and West district, whereas prohibitory orders have been enforced in Thoubal under section 163 (2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), barring people from coming out of their homes.
“Due to the developing law and order situation in the district, earlier orders of curfew relaxation stand cancelled with immediate effect from 11 am of September 10. Hence, there is a total curfew in Imphal East district with immediate effect until further orders,” an order issued by the district magistrate read.
The order further mentioned that all previous orders stating relaxation in curfew on September 10 now stand suspended from 11 am. Restrictions have been put on people from going outside of their houses.
Earlier, a curfew relaxation scheduled for September 10, from 5 AM to 10 PM, was revoked following a new directive. However, essential services such as media, electricity, courts, and healthcare remain exempt from the curfew, according to the latest order.
The new restrictions in Imphal’s two districts were imposed amid growing student protests, with demonstrators calling for the removal of the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) and security advisor, accusing them of failing to manage the law and order situation.
In Thoubal, prohibitory orders were enforced, banning gatherings of five or more people after police reported that one officer was shot in the thigh during a clash with protesting students on Monday.
Meanwhile, students in hundreds from several schools and colleges spent the night at camps at Imphal’s Khwairamband Women. Donning uniforms, the students were aided by women shopkeepers to set up their camps.
The protesting students said they have given a 24-hour ultimatum to the governor to respond to their demands put forth and that future course of action would be decided after that period.
Thousands of students gathered in front of the Manipur Secretariat and Raj Bhavan on Monday, demanding action against those responsible for recent drone and missile attacks. They also called for the protection of the state’s “territorial and administrative integrity.”
The latest surge in violence, which included drone and missile strikes, has resulted in at least eight deaths and left more than 12 people injured.
