Curfew relaxations in Manipur’s Imphal West and East districts have been withdrawn after clashes erupted between security personnel and locals in Churachandpur. The state has been under the grip of ethnic clashes since May 3, leading to significant violence, deaths, and mass displacement.
Previously, curfew restrictions had been relaxed from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm in Imphal West and East districts. However, the situation escalated when clashes broke out in Churachandpur after a group of locals attempted to move towards the area from Bishnupur. Security forces intervened to maintain law and order, leading to a tense standoff.
In response to the escalating tensions and the risk of further disturbance, the authorities have reimposed total curfew in Imphal West District with immediate effect, prohibiting the public from moving outside their residences across all areas. Similarly, curfew relaxation in Imphal East District for August 3, 2023, has been canceled.
The orders stipulate exemptions for individuals engaged in essential services, including health, electricity, PHED (Public Health Engineering Department), petrol pumps, schools/colleges, municipality, press, electronic media, functioning of courts, and the movement of flight passengers to the airport.
The ethnic clashes in Manipur have deep-rooted origins, primarily between the tribal Kukis residing in the hill districts and the majority Meiteis, who form the dominant community in the Imphal valley. These tensions were triggered by protests against a proposed change to the state’s reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.
Since May 3, the violence has resulted in at least 150 deaths and over 50,000 people being displaced. Burning homes and neighborhoods have forced many to seek refuge in jungles, often crossing state borders in search of safety.
The situation remains volatile as security forces, including teams from Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), and Rapid Action Force (RAF), are present on the ground to maintain order and curb further escalations of violence. The government continues to closely monitor the situation to prevent any further loss of life and property and to restore peace in the region.
Sources By Agencies
