New Delhi: Indian Army on Wednesday said that along with Assam Rifles, the Army has significantly re-engineered the security architecture and numerous resources have been infused in Manipur, especially against the backdrop of the prevailing security situation as the efforts to restore normalcy in the state continue, ANI reported.
At least 60 people were killed, 231 injured and 1,700 houses including religious places burnt in the ethnic violence that rocked the northeastern state for the past few days.
The Army in a statement said that it is leaving no stone unturned to undertake surveillance of areas not only in the hinterland but also along the India-Myanmar Border.
"Round-the-clock surveillance through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with specific tasking, employment of MI 17 & Cheetah helicopters of the Air Force & Army & numerous foot patrols & flag marches to restore confidence of locals on ground are being resorted to," the Army stated.
A total of 128 Army and Assam Rifles columns, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aerial surveillance assets in adequate numbers have been pressed into action for surveillance in the state, according to the Army.
The Army stated that as Manipur slowly rises up to the peace and tranquil atmosphere amongst all communities hitherto fore, inimical elements may once again attempt to spread malicious unverified content. "Indian Army and Assam Rifles remain committed to restoring complete normalcy at the earliest and would request all to disregard any malicious attempt to disturb harmony in the region through manipulated interpretation/ misrepresentation of facts," it stated.
Violent clashes broke out in the northeastern state after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the 10 hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to the deaths of at least 54 people.
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 in the hill districts.