Manipur Violence: 37 Killed, 134 Looted Arms Recovered, Situation Under Control, Says Security Advisor

While several agencies reported that there were more casualties than 37, Manipur's security advisor stated that the authority is still investigating this claim.

People from Manipur's violence-torn areas gathered at an Assam Government relief camp in Assam's Cachar district on Sunday.

Security advisor on Manipur violence Kuldeep Singh said on Sunday (May 7) that the situation in the state is under control. He also stated that while various agency reports claim more casualties than 37, the authority is still verifying this information. He further said that some areas of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh are still tense. Peace meetings were held in these areas. He stated that 134 arms have been recovered so far from the looted arms.

"The current situation in Manipur has improved quite a lot. Today curfew was also relaxed. Some areas of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh are still under tension. Peace meetings were held. Till now, 134 arms have been recovered from the looted arms," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

"37 casualties happened and agencies are reporting some more deaths, we are still verifying," he added further. 

#WATCH | "37 casualties happened and agencies are reporting some more deaths, we are still verifying," says Kuldeep Singh, Security Advisor, Manipur #ManipurViolence pic.twitter.com/KJ81JsUJgQ

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023

The clashes began last Wednesday in Churachandpur district after tribals protested against the Meitei reservation following a March 27 high court order ordering the state government to send a recommendation to the Centre within four weeks on the Meitei community's demand for ST status.

A number of petitions have also been filed in the Supreme Court regarding the Manipur situation, including one by a ruling BJP MLA challenging the high court order granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community and another by a tribal outfit seeking an SIT investigation into the violence that erupted in the northeastern state last week.

Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy said on Sunday that the Central government was ready for talks to resolve the conflict in Manipur. Reddy stated that the Centre was not adamant when it came to people's welfare and that it even withdrew three Farm Laws after agriculturists demanded that the controversial regulations be repealed.

READ | 'Indian Govt Is Not Adamant': Union Minister Says Centre Ready For Talks To Resolve Manipur Issue