Manipur violence: Indian Army says situation under control, efforts underway to restore normalcy

Imphal, May 5: The Indian Army has stated that the situation in Manipur is under control following clashes that occurred in various areas. The clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) Manipur on May 3 to protest the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category. 

The Indian Army has redeployed additional troops from Nagaland and is taking precautionary measures to ensure normalcy is restored in Imphal and Churachandpur. The Army has asked people to rely on official and verified sources for information and to be careful of fake videos being circulated on social media.

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The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, has called for an urgent meeting to ensure the safety of students from Meghalaya who are studying in Manipur. Over 200 students from Meghalaya are studying in Manipur, and the Government is putting in place a helpline for students or family members to reach out to in case of emergencies. The Chief Minister has directed officials to come up with a plan for the evacuation of students if the situation arises.

To tackle the worsening law and order situation after tribal groups took out rallies in several districts of Manipur, the state government has suspended mobile internet for five days. Along with a ban on large gatherings, a night curfew has been imposed in several districts of the state.

The Indian Air Force will be undertaking flying operations to induct additional Indian Army columns commencing tonight from Guwahati and Tezpur. The Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed in Manipur, and flag marches are being held to control the situation.

Also Read: Why is Manipur on the boil? All you need to know about the protest and Mary Kom's appeal

It is important to note that the situation in Moreh and Kangpokpi areas has been brought under control and is stable. However, efforts are still underway to restore normalcy in Imphal and Churachandpur. The Indian Army is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the people and to maintain law and order in the state.

Indian Army warns against fake videos on Manipur violence

Imphal, May 5: The Indian Army has issued a warning about fake videos being circulated regarding the security situation in Manipur. The videos, including one of an alleged attack on an Assam Rifles post, are being shared by "inimical elements for vested interests." 

The Army has urged citizens to only rely on content from official and verified sources. The violence erupted on Wednesday in Churachandpur town after tribal Kuki groups protested against the proposed change to the state's reservation matrix, granting Scheduled Tribe status to the majority Meitei community. 

The violence quickly spread throughout the state, with mobs torching houses, shops, and religious places, and even attacking a sitting lawmaker in Imphal. The Governor of Manipur has issued strict orders to tackle the worsening security situation, including shoot-at-sight orders in extreme cases. 

The Indian Army has deployed additional troops and paramilitary personnel to restore peace, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the affected areas. The Indian Air Force will also be involved in the deployment of additional troops from Assam.

- With inputs from agencies

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