Manipur Violence: State Govt Relaxes Curfew From 7 To 10 AM Today

The notification issued by Churachandpur district magistrate said, "Subsequent relaxations shall be reviewed and notified based on assessment of the prevailing law and order situation."

People from Manipur raise slogans during their protest against the ongoing violence in Manipur, at Manipuri Rajbari in Guwahati

Source : PTI

New Delhi: The Manipur government has decided to partially relax the curfew from 7.00 am to 10.00 am on Sunday to allow people to buy essential items such as medicines and food, according to a notification. The decision was taken after the law and order situation improved in the Churachandpur district and after talks were held between the state government and various stakeholders, a notification stated.

"With the law and order situation improving in Churachandpur district and after talks were held between the state government and various stakeholders, I'm pleased to share that the curfew will be partially relaxed as per the details shared below (sic)," Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted on Saturday night, sharing a copy of the notification.

The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community, which has so far displaced thousands of people and killed at least 54.

The notification issued by Churachandpur district magistrate Sharath Chandra Arroju said, "Subsequent relaxations shall be reviewed and notified based on assessment of the prevailing law and order situation."

Meanwhile, state governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey on Saturday appealed to the people in the state to maintain brotherhood and dispel the feeling of fear and insecurity, said an official release from the governor's office.

In the statement, the Governor said, "Violent incidents and arson that took place in the state during the last few days disturbed mutual brotherhood and peace. Some brothers and sisters of the state also died suddenly in these unfortunate incidents. I appeal to all of you, being Governor of this state, that according to Manipur state's excellent co-existence, brotherhood and mutual cooperation, all of you should maintain brotherhood, dispel the feeling of fear and insecurity and cooperate with the people around you."

Further, she assured the citizens that all the security forces including the Army, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are all continuously working in the state to bring the situation under control.

The clashes broke out after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

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 percent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.