Home Minister Amit Shah held a flurry of meetings with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh as well as CMs of neighbouring states as fresh cases of vandalism and arson were reported in the northeastern state on Thursday, PTI reported. The Centre is closely monitoring the situation in Manipur and paramilitary forces are being mobilised from nearby states, officials said.
Manipur has been roiled by violence between the tribals and the majority Meitei community since Wednesday evening. Fifty-five columns of the Army and Assam Rifles have already been deployed to contain widespread rioting.
The Home Minister also had a separate meeting with chief ministers of the neighbouring states of Manipur. The chief ministers with whom Shah had telephonic conversations were Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland), Zoramthanga (Mizoram) and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam).
READ | Manipur Violence: Govt Issues Shoot-At-Sight Order For 'Extreme Cases'
Meanwhile, the Indian Army asked the public to beware of fake videos being circulated by "inimical elements for vested interests".
"Fake videos on the security situation in Manipur including a video of an attack on Assam Rifles post are being circulated by inimical elements for vested interests. Indian Army requests all to rely on content through official and verified sources only," Spear Corps, Indian Army, said.
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey also asked the people of the state to maintain peace.
"I am deeply saddened by the incidents of violence yesterday and today. I urge all the people of Manipur to maintain peace, love and harmony as per their tradition and not participate in any kind of violence or arson. I urge them to not pay heed to rumours," Anusuiya Uikey said.
Clashes broke out in Manipur on Wednesday after Naga and Kuki tribals organised a "Tribal Solidarity March" to protest the move to give Scheduled Tribe status to the majority Meitei community.
As the violence intensified, the state government on Thursday issued a "shoot at sight" order in "extreme cases" to contain the crisis. More than 9,000 people have been evacuated from violence-hit areas by the security forces.
Curfew has been imposed in Meitei-dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, and Bishnupur districts, and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts. Mobile internet services were suspended across the state for five days.