Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki groups were first reported in an area bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts on Wednesday, following a ‘tribal solidarity march’ organised by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur.
At least 52 people have been killed in Manipur since violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities broke out Wednesday even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh held an all-party meeting Saturday and a video conference with security personnel calling for calm and an end to violence.
Late Saturday night, Singh said that with the “law and order situation” improving in Churachandpur district and after talks “between the state government and various stakeholders, I’m pleased to share that the curfew will be partially relaxed.”
At a press conference at the CM Secretariat Saturday night, Security Advisor to the Manipur Government, Kuldiep Singh, said that Article 355 has not been promulgated in the state and that “confusion had been created by certain elements”.
“Action will be taken up against all those who have taken the law in their hands, including those who are under Suspension of Operation agreement with the state and Centre,” he said. He added that the government will facilitate evacuation of all those who are stranded “in a time-bound manner” to ensure their safety.
The death toll of 52 is according to estimates of bodies received and the number of injured who were brought to three key hospitals, their officials have told The Indian Express.
The state government or police have not released the official toll so far. On Friday, P Doungel, Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur, had cited security reasons for the decision.
In Churachandpur, seven of the deaths took place on Friday, including three in an alleged incident of security personnel opening fire on people who had allegedly tried to stop the evacuation of Meiteis from the area.