Indian Army conducted a flag march in a violence-affected area in Manipur's Imphal Valley while authorities decided to relax the curfew on Sunday from 5 am to 5 pm. The District Magistrate of Imphal East, Khumanthem Diana Devi issued a circular in which she specified the areas where the curfew will be relaxed In order for the general public of Imphal East district to be able to purchase essential items such as food and medicines. Curfew has been imposed in Manipur under section 144 following the clashes that broke out between two communities Kuki and Meitei on May 3.
A series of violent episodes followed it and it has claimed over a hundred lives till now. Thousands have been displaced from their homes.
"Total public curfew under Section 144 CrPC, 1973 prohibiting the movement of any person outside their respective residences imposed in Imphal East District vide this Office Order dated 3rd May 2023 is hereby relaxed from 5 AM to 5 PM on 18th June 2023 except for the area for which the schedule is given below in order to facilitate the general public to purchase essential items including medicines and food supplies," the circular issued by the DM read, as quoted by ANI.
The areas where the curfew is relaxed include the Hatta crossing to the RDS crossing, the Imphal River from Sanjenthong to Minuthong, Minuthong to Hatta crossing, and RDS crossing to Sanjenthong.
The Manipur government extended the shutdown of internet services till June 20 amid violence. Miscreants tried burning down the official residence of Manipur Minister Nemcha Kipgen in Imphal West. His house got partially burnt in that attack.
The violence began in Manipur on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.