Suspension of internet services in strife-torn Manipur was extended till June 15, said the state government on Sunday saying there were still reports of violence, attacking and arson of houses and premises including exchange of firing. Meanwhile, Manipur’s information and public relations minister DR Sapam Ranjan on Saturday said that no untoward incident was reported from any part of the conflict-ridden state in the last 24 hours indicating the return of normalcy in the state."No untoward incident has taken place in the state since yesterday, this is proof that peace and normalcy are returning to our state. Combing operations have been launched at various places across the state," Sapam Ranjan told news agency ANI.
Meanwhile Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday met his Manipur counterpart, N Biren Singh in state capital Imphal and said that he will send a report to Union home minister Amit Shah about the ongoing situation.
Here are the top developments from the northeastern state so far:
- Ranjan told the media on Saturday that 349 relief camps were presently operational across Manipur.
- Out of the total 4,537 arms looted, 990 of them were recovered by the state government. “Around 53 weapons, 39 bombs, and 74 ammunition and magazines have been recovered,” the minister said.
- The state has been taking up all appropriate security measures to restore peace and harmony, he added.
- A joint combing operation was conducted by security forces on Saturday in sensitive areas of both hills and valleys and recovered 22 weapons. So far, 114 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed across the state, Rajan said.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also called upon his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh and discussed the situation.
- “During my stay here, I met the honourable chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, our party leaders and civil society organisations. For us, peace and stability in Manipur are very very important. Whatever I have learnt during the day, I will report the same to the honourable Union Home Minister for further necessary actions,” Sarma told reporters.
- A senior BJP leader who was present in the meeting told news agency PTI that issues of the state concerning violence were highlighted in the meeting. Himanta Biswa Sarma assured us he will work at his level best to restore peace in Manipur," he said.
- “Sarma said the Manipur BJP should not hesitate to ask what is needed and he will make sure those requirements are met." Representatives of COCOMI, a civil society organisation, were also present at the meeting, he added.