Amid reports of attacks on the residences of ministers and legislators, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday asked the people of the violence-hit state to work for normalcy.
Addressing the media in state capital Imphal, the Chief Minister said that at least 38 vulnerable areas were identified in the state and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been deployed in those areas to prevent any untoward incident.
"The 38 vulnerable areas are mainly in the foothills. We have deployed 34,000 paramilitary forces to curb the menace of sudden attacks by unidentified miscreants," CM Singh said.
The CM also stressed that people should also stop attacking the homes of ministers and MLAs.
READ | Union Home Minister Amit Shah To Arrive In Violence-Hit Manipur On May 29 On 4-Day Visit
On Thursday night, members of the Meitei community attacked the house of Manipur MP and Union Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh in Imphal. The Meitei community was reportedly upset over a recent peace meeting called by Singh with scholars from both the communities in the national capital.
The agitators lamented that the peace meeting had less representatives from the Meitei community.
Biren Singh also asked those who have snatched guns and ammunitions from police outposts to return the weapons before the central forces start a large-scale crackdown.
"I would like to appeal to the people that we are able to bring back peace together but each and every one of us should take initiative on their own for a peaceful co-existence. These issues could be solved only under the constitutional provisions with proper dialogue. We are available here round the clock, so the people should talk to us regarding any issue or concern. The ministers and MLAs are all ready to talk," the Chief Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be paying a four-day visit to the state on May 29 to take stock of the situation and have talks with all the stakeholders.
Violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 during a "Tribal Solidarity March" in protest against the Meiteis’ demand of Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. Tension in the state had been already simmering in view of the eviction of Kuki villagers from the reserve forest lands.
Since the outbreak of the violent ethnic clashes on May 3, at least 73 people have lost their lives, while over 230 people have been injured. On the other hand, more than 1,700 houses have been torched by miscreants, displacing over 35,000 people.
Its been 22 days now since internet services have been suspended.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram government on Friday said it will ensure that children displaced by due to the violence in Manipur are able to continue their schooling in the neighbouring state.
The Mizoram school education department has asked all district and school authorities of the state to allow the displaced students of Manipur to be enrolled in state-run schools and government-aided schools if they seek admission.