New Delhi: Amid an escalation of violence in Manipur, the state government has taken several preventive measures to ward off any untoward incident, including internet suspension and curfew in some districts. The Centre has also rushed two additional CRPF battalions comprising about 2,000 personnel in ethnic strife-torn state. Meanwhile, the Congress has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s intervention to ensure restoration of law and order in the state.
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- The Manipur government ordered suspension of internet services in state’s five valley districts in the wake of intensified agitation by students. The temporary curb has been imposed in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts of Manipur for five days with effect from September 10.
- On Tuesday, students and women demonstrators in large numbers tried to head towards Raj Bhavan in Imphal to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the state government for their alleged failure to deal with the law and order situation in Manipur. The protest turned violent and over 40 students suffered injuries in clashes with security forces.
- The government has imposed an indefinite curfew in two districts of Manipur – Imphal East and Imphal West – preventing people from coming outside their houses. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS were imposed in Thoubal.
- In view of the situation, government and private colleges will remain shut on September 11 and 12.
- Manipur has been witnessing clashes between two warring communities – Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May last year. The violence has so far left over 200 people dead and thousands homeless.
In a fresh wave of violence, which included drone and missile attacks, at least eight persons have died and over 12 injured. - Meanwhile, Congress MP from Inner Manipur A Bimol Akoijam wrote to Amit Shah, calling for “corrective measures” to rein in the violence in the state and restore peace and normalcy. He also sought a probe into allegations of involvement of illegal immigrants, foreign elements and illicit drug mafia in the present crisis.
