Manipur Violence: 23,000 Civilians Rescued, People Rush To Get Essentials As Curfew Relaxed — WATCH

The curfew was lifted for a few hours on Sunday and people rushed to get essentials amid heavy security in Churachandpur and West Imphal.

Curfew was lifted for a few hours (from 7-10 am) in Manipur’s Imphal and Churachandpur on Sunday and people were seen stepping out of their houses to buy essential items like medicines, food among others. The curfew imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC was also relaxed on Saturday as well for two hours from 3 pm to 5 pm. The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community. A total of 23,000 civilians were rescued and moved to operating base military Garrisons, with the help of the Army and Assam Rifles. Meanwhile, 54 people have been reported dead.

In a video shared by the news agency ANI, people can be seen at pharmacies and vehicles driving on almost empty roads amid heavy security deployment. Security checkpoints have been made at different parts of the town, and the personnel are on standby at the checkpoints. 

The total curfew that prohibited the movement of any person outside their homes was relaxed for three hours, from 7 am, in violence-hit Manipur's Churachandpur district on Sunday morning allowing people to buy essentials such as medicines and food.

"With the law and order situation improving in Churachandpur district and after talks were held between the state government and various stakeholders, I'm pleased to share that the curfew will be partially relaxed as per the details shared below (sic)," Chief Minister N Biren Singh had tweeted on Saturday night.

Manipur Violence: Army Enhances Aerial Surveillance

In the last 24 hours, the Army has witnessed significantly enhancing surveillance efforts through aerial surveillance, as well as the movement of UAVs and redeployment of Army Helicopters within Imphal Valley.

A defence spokesperson said, "Army has also significantly enhanced aerial surveillance through the movement of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and redeployment of helicopters within Imphal valley."

The clashes broke out after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals – Nagas and Kukis – constitute another 40 per cent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.