Manipur Archives - Read Selective

4 Arrested In Manipur Students’ Murder Case, Handed Over To CBI, Flown Out

The four – two men and two women – and two minors have been flown to Guwahati in Assam. The two minors have been handed over to the child protection officer at Kamrup metro district, the CBI said in a statement

Imphal/New Delhi: Four people have been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the horrific murder case of two students in Manipur in July, whose photo surfaced on social media last week.
The four – two men and two women – and two minors have been flown to Guwahati in Assam. The two minors have been handed over to the child protection officer at Kamrup metro district for their welfare, protection and care, the CBI said in a statement.

The accused have been identified as Paominlun Haokip, Malsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite and Tinneikhol. Lhingneichong Baite was a friend of the girl student who was murdered, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. One of the suspects is allegedly the wife of an insurgent group member based in Churachandpur, sources said without giving further details.

A crack unit of the Manipur Police and the Indian Army in a joint operation captured the suspects from the hill district Churachandpur, 51 km from Imphal, where ethnic violence began on May 3. Several Kuki insurgent groups that have signed the tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) agreement are based in this hill district.

After catching them, the forces drove swiftly to the airport, where a CBI team was waiting for them. The CBI team and the suspects took the last flight out of Imphal around 5:45 pm.

Sources said some people tried to move towards the airport on hearing about the arrests. The one hour till the time the plane took off was “full of tension” as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guarding the airport was informed about possible trouble, people with direct knowledge of the matter told NDTV, requesting anonymity. Nothing untoward happened, fortunately, they said.

The two Manipur students who were killed in July

“As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long hands of the law. We are committed to ensuring maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the heinous crime they have committed,” Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

I’m pleased to share that some of the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi have been arrested from Churachandpur today.

As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long…

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) October 1, 2023

Mr Singh told reporters today terrorists from Myanmar and Bangladesh have joined hands with some insurgent groups to exploit the Manipur crisis, and the ongoing violence is between the terrorists and the state.

Yesterday, a terror suspect was arrested from Churachandpur by the National Investigation Agency in a transnational conspiracy case involving terrorist leaders in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

After news of the arrests spread, a large crowd came out on the roads in Churachandpur. The police said the gathering was peaceful.

The photos showing the bodies of the two students who went missing in July emerged on social media on September 26, after which the Manipur government assured swift action.

The CBI has been looking into this case already, though the bodies of the two students – both minors – are yet to be found. Investigators are also looking into allegations of rape before the minor was murdered, sources told NDTV.

The photos show the two students – both 17 years old – sitting at the grassy compound of what appears to be a makeshift jungle camp of an armed group.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cbi-arrests-6-for-killing-two-manipur-students-4-flown-to-assam-4440694

Manipur News: NIA arrests two in transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh terror outfits

(Representative Image) The Manipur Police arrested Gangte in Churachandpur and handed him over to the NIA. (AFP)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has on Saturday arrested two people accused to the case of a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against India by exploiting the current ethnic strife in Manipur, an official said.

Manipur has been be ripped by ethnic violence in which several were displaced and many lost their lives. The violence that began in May this year was triggered after Manipur High Court recommended to CM N Biren Singh-led Manipur government to include the majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

Seiminlun Gangte was the second accused arrested in the case in the past nine days. The case was registered suo motu on 19 July, a spokesperson of the federal anti-terror agency told news agency PTI.

The official added the accused has been brought to Delhi and will be produced before the jurisdictional court.

The Manipur Police arrested Gangte in Churachandpur and handed him over to the NIA.

“Investigation into the case revealed that Myanmar and Bangladesh-based militant groups have entered into a conspiracy with a section of militant leaders in India to indulge in incidents of violence with an intention to drive a wedge between different ethnic groups and to wage war against the Government of India.

“For this purpose, the aforementioned leadership have been providing funds to procure arms, ammunition and other types of terrorist hardware which are being sourced both from across the border and from other terrorist outfits active in the northeastern states to stoke the current ethnic strife in Manipur,” the spokesperson said.

On September 22, the NIA arrested Moirangthem Anand Singh from Manipur in connection with the case.

Further investigation into the matter is still on.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Manipur unit has told its national president JP Nadda that people are angry as the state government has so far failed to contain the ethnic strife.

Source : https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-news-nia-arrests-two-in-transnational-conspiracy-by-myanmar-and-bangladesh-terror-outfits-11696086383450.html

‘Everything will be fine soon’: Manipur CM Biren Singh assures as protest over teens’ bodies continue

Candles are lit in front of the portrait of the two youths during a protest by people against their deaths and calling for peace in violence-hit Manipur, in Imphal on Wednesday. (ANI)

Manipur, stricken by ethnic violence and rampant protests since 3 May, erupted after a seeming lull, when images of two teenagers who had been missing for months, surfaced online as dead bodies, murdered. The two teenagers’ death triggered fresh violent protests , this time involving participation from Manipur’s student community.

On Saturday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that the armed assailants, visibly blurred in the viral images will be captured. “Definitely, we will catch the culprits. Everything will be fine soon,” Manipur CM said on the CBI team investigating the death of the two youth.

Continuous protests in Manipur that began on 3 May, had led to the state government to suspend mobile internet services for five days till 1 October.

A CBI team, led by the agency’s Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar arrived in Imphal in a special flight on Wednesday to investigate the alleged “kidnapping and killing” of the two students.

In cases registered or transferred to the CBI, teams have to visit the scene of the crime, recreate the scene, collect forensic evidence, and send it to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory.

“To ensure speedy investigation and keeping the safety of CBI officials on priority, CRPF personnel will accompany them during their visits in violence-hit areas for investigation purposes,” the official added.

The two youths had reportedly gone missing in Manipur on 6 July.

Following the incident, fresh protests erupted in the state on September 25 after a video showing their bodies went viral on social media.

At present, CBI has registered 11 FIRs, including the viral video of two young tribal women paraded naked. The investigation of all the cases is underway.

Authorities relaxed curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West districts from 5 am to 11 am to help people buy essential items and medicines on Friday. With no violence reported during the day, the government lifted the curfew in the two districts from 5 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Source : https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-news-violence-everything-will-be-fine-soon-cm-biren-singh-assures-as-protest-over-teens-bodies-continue-11696066552699.html

Violence In Manipur Again, Many Injured As Protesters Clash With Police

At several places, angry protestors confronted the police and other security agencies. The police finally used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Many are reported to be injured in the incident.

Manipur: There were clashes between the mob and the police outside the Sinjamei police station.

Violence spiked once again in parts of Manipur valley, including state capital Imphal, as protesters clashed with police in multiple areas. Batons and tear gas shells were used and many people were injured, reports said.
The situation has been escalating since the arrest of five men, who were caught in the uniform of security forces and carrying with sophisticated arms on September 16.

It led to widespread protests and demonstrations in the valley areas. Demanding the unconditional release of the detained men, a 48-hour lockdown was enforced in the Valley from Tuesday by the locals. Monday was the unofficial strike.

This afternoon, women demonstrators marched to police stations across five valley districts areas, demanding the unconditional release of the detainees. If not, they demanded that they also be arrested.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/violence-in-manipur-again-many-injured-as-protesters-clash-with-police-4411348

India rejects ‘unwarranted and misleading’ comments of UN experts on Manipur

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations underscored that the situation in Manipur was peaceful and stable and the Indian government was committed to taking requisite steps to maintain peace and stability.

A candle march to pay tribute to those killed in Manipur violence. Credit: PTI File Photo

India has strongly rejected comments by UN experts on Manipur, terming them “unwarranted, presumptive and misleading” and asserting that situation in the Northeast state is peaceful.

In the note verbale issued on Monday to the Special Procedures Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Indian mission underscored that the situation in Manipur was peaceful and stable and the Indian government was committed to taking requisite steps to maintain peace and stability.

“The Government is also committed to protecting the human rights of the people of India, including the people of Manipur,” it said.

“The Permanent Mission of India completely rejects the news release as it is not only unwarranted, presumptive and misleading but also betrays a complete lack of understanding on the situation in Manipur and the steps taken by Government of India to address it,” said the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-rejects-unwarranted-and-misleading-comments-of-un-experts-on-manipur-2673034

Bigger Win in 2024, Unprepared Oppn, Attack on RaGa, ‘Freebie’ Culture, Peace in Manipur | Modi’s 5 Messages

PM Narendra Modi replies to the motion of no-confidence in Lok Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi on August 10. (Image: PTI)

Exuding full confidence that he will return in 2024 with an even bigger mandate for the National Democratic Alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the people of the country have “no confidence” in the Congress. He further said the new alliance, INDIA, was full of “arrogance” where everyone wanted to be in power and the opposition was unprepared even after five years.

“In 2028, when you bring another no-confidence motion, India will be among the first three big economies of the world… this is Modi’s guarantee. Please prepare better for the next motion,” the prime minister said, mocking the opposition in his reply to the no-confidence motion.

Prime Minister Modi took potshots at the Gandhi family saying they cannot tolerate that a “gareeb ka beta” has become the PM. With Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seated opposite him in Lok Sabha, Modi said a failed product was being relaunched repeatedly without any success. He said the entire country was hurt by Gandhi’s “death of Bharat Mata” statement.

Ironically, the opposition walked out of Lok Sabha amid Modi’s blistering attack, complaining that the PM did not speak about the Manipur issue. The motion had been brought to make him speak about Manipur, as per the opposition.

But soon after the walkout took place, Modi spoke in detail about the ethnic violence in Manipur and the history of the tribal conflict for almost 30 minutes and appealed to the opposition to not politicise the situation. He said the central government was concerned over the violence but hoped for peace, while blaming the Congress for problems in the northeast over decades.

Here are five big messages by Modi in his over two-hour address:

‘BIGGER WIN IN 2024’

Modi said the NDA will win with more seats in 2024 than in 2019. “People declared no confidence for the Congress in the last election, too, after their no-confidence motion in 2018; we won with even more seats. Their no-confidence motion is a good omen for us. It seems that they have decided that in 2024, too, we will win by breaking all records and have a grand victory,” he said.

He further said the opposition had “cremated” the UPA in Bengaluru, but were celebrating it. “It is putting new plaster on a falling house, new paint on a rusted machine, trying to show a useless vehicle as an electric vehicle. This is a ‘ghamandiya gathbandhan’ (an alliance of arrogance). The person you are following has no understanding of this country’s language and traditions,” he added.

The PM also said to keep themselves alive, the opposition had to depend on the NDA as they only added two Is to it to form the word ‘INDIA’ as the name of the new opposition front.

“The first ‘I’ is the arrogance of 26 parties. The second ‘I’ is one family’s arrogance,” the PM said, pointing out to inherent contradictions in the new opposition front and said these parties had tried to break the self-confidence of the people by bringing this no-confidence motion as they cannot digest India’s progress.

“For many opposition parties, they have a hunger for power; for them, the party comes before the people and the country. They are more worried about their political future,” the PM said, adding that the opposition felt that by using the country’s name, it could restore its credibility. “But they will soon be fighting.”

UNPREPARED OPPOSITION

Modi also pointed out that the opposition was unprepared to take him on and alluded to their non-seriousness. “Even your darbaris (faithfuls) are unhappy. What kind of debate was done by you? The fielding was done by opposition, but fours and sixes were hit from the treasury side. Why do you not come with preparation? I gave you five years to prepare? Kya haal hai aapka,” he said.

The PM pointed out how even the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, was not given a chance by the Congress to speak in the debate and, it was only after Amit Shah’s offer, that the speaker was gracious enough to give him a chance.

Source: https://www.news18.com/politics/bigger-win-in-2024-unprepared-oppn-attack-on-raga-freebie-culture-peace-in-manipur-modis-5-messages-8531559.html

Manipur police lodge FIR against Assam Rifles for allegedly obstructing them during search operations

The police in its FIR claimed that they were stopped by the 9th Assam Rifles when they proceeding Pholjang Road along Kwakta as a follow-up action to conduct search operations in an arms act case in search of Kuki militants.

Manipur Police has registered an FIR against Assam Rifles for allegedly blocking their vehicle and obstructing them from discharging their duties after an altercation between the two groups last week.

The FIR was filed on August 5 when police alleged that the Assam Rifles blocked police vehicles on the Kwakta Gothol road in the Bishnupur district.

”On reaching the Kutub Wali Masjid located at Kwakla Ward No. 8 along Pholjang road the state police teams including CDO/BPR stopped and blocked their way by the personnel of 9 AR by keeping and parking their Casper Vehicle in the middle of the Kwakla Pholjang road and obstructed in discharging their law bound duty. As such arrogant act of the personnel of 9 AR giving a chance to the accused Kuki militants to escape freely to somewhere a safe zone for them,” the police alleged in their FIR.

Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-police-lodge-fir-against-assam-rifles-for-allegedly-obstructing-them-during-search-operations-628705-2023-08-08

Manipur: Meitei organisation writes to PMO demanding NRC and action against ‘foreign elements’

A day after issuing an appeal for “social boycott” of the BJP government in Manipur due to its alleged failure to act against “Kuki narco-terrorists,” Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential organisation of the Meiteis in Imphal Valley, on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) – with 1951 as the base year and asking the government to act against “foreign elements” involved in the ongoing violence.

In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office, the COCOMI also opposed any change in territorial integrity and the system of administration in Manipur, as demanded by Kuki organisations.

“To identify the illegal immigrants, the NRC must be implemented in the state with 1951 as the base year. This is to deprive illegal immigrants from being citizens though they may continue to stay as guests, if necessary, without indulging in destructive politics by creating concocted history and bombarding the media and seeking support from the left liberals to achieve what is known as a Kuki-Zomi nation (Zalengam) comprising areas from three countries (sic),” said the memorandum.

The Meitei organisations claimed that Manipur witnessed “large-scale illegal immigration” from neighbouring Myanmar in districts like Churachandpur, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Kamjong and Kangpokpi, upsetting the well-established demography.

“Not only this, they started settling in reserved and protected forests of the state. Besides, large scale poppy cultivation started which yielded tremendous profits mainly by the recent immigrants literally destroying the forest of the state which is now almost barren resulting in severe global warming effect in the state which is now facing a near drought situation for the third consecutive year (sic),” the memorandum continued.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/manipur-meitei-organisation-writes-to-pmo-demanding-nrc-and-action-against-foreign-elements-2638402

Heavy firing in Manipur’s Bishnupur after 3 killed in violence, houses burnt

At least three people were killed in fresh clashes that erupted in Manipur’s Bishnupur district late on Friday. Several houses in the area were also set on fire. Security forces are on the spot.

Protesters burn the effigies during their protest against the Mizoram CM Zoramthanga a day after his participation in a rally over ethnic violence in Manipur, at National Highway 37, in Imphal. (File photo: PTI)

At least three people died in fresh incidents of violence that were reported in Manipur’s Bishnupur district late on Friday. The deceased are reportedly from the Meitei community in the Kwakta area.

In the fresh incidents of violence, several houses of the Kuki community were also burnt down.

Subsequently, heavy firing took place in the Kwakta area of the Bishnupur district between the Kuki community and security forces. Manipur Police and Commandos were retaliating.

According to the Bishnupur Police, three people from the Meitei community were killed, while several houses of the Kuki community were set on fire.

A Manipur commando suffered a head injury in the firing. The situation is quite critical in Bishnupur after the fresh incidents of violence.

The commando was admitted to the Bishnupur hospital. Paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area.

Police sources said a few people came to Meitei areas crossing the buffer zone and fired on them.

The buffer zone guarded by central forces is made more than 2 km ahead of Kwakta area in Bishnupur district.

Police forces are on the spot.

This comes two days after 17 people were injured in clashes that erupted between armed forces and the Meitei community protesters in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Thursday.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fresh-violence-manipur-bishnupur-houses-burnt-dead-injured-meitei-kuki-community-2416585-2023-08-05

Manipur: Assault Rifles, Thousands of Bullets Stolen From Police Armoury Amid Ethnic Tensions

A mob breaks into police armoury and stole weapons. The incident took place at the battalion headquarters of the 2nd India Reserve Battalion at Naranseina in Bishnupur district.

Manipur Weapons Armoury | Representational pic

A mob broke into a police armoury and stole weapons, including AK and ‘Ghatak’ series of assault rifles, and more than 19,000 bullets, officials said.

The incident took place at the battalion headquarters of the 2nd India Reserve Battalion at Naranseina in Bishnupur district. A crowd had gathered there to march towards Churachandpur where tribals were planning to carry out a mass burial of their people killed in ethnic clashes that broke out in the state on May 3, they said. The mass burial programme by the tribals had sparked fresh tension in the strife-torn state with the majority community opposing the move.

The Manipur Police, meanwhile, said joint forces have conducted search operations in vulnerable and fringe areas of the strife-torn state and destroyed seven illegal bunkers after fresh violence broke out across various districts.

Manipur government relaxed curfew in Imphal

The state government, however, relaxed the curfew in Imphal East and West districts for seven hours from 5 am so that common people can purchase essential items, officials said.

“Security forces conducted search operations in the vulnerable and fringe areas of the state. Joint security forces conducted operation in Koutruk hill range and destroyed 07 (seven) illegal bunkers,” the state police said on Twitter.

Manipur violence causes uproar in Parliament

The situation in Manipur again led to the uproar in Parliament. A day after protests were paused in the Lok Sabha for the debate on the Central Bill on Delhi administration, members of Opposition parties again raised the issue of violence Manipur in both Houses of Parliament, forcing their adjournment to the next working day on Monday.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/manipur-assault-rifles-thousands-of-bullets-stolen-from-police-armoury-amid-ethnic-tensions

Manipur resumes biometric capture of illegal Myanmar immigrants; to be completed by Sep

Manipur government resumes campaign to capture biometric data of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Completion targeted by September 2023.

A Manipur policeman stands guard as members of Meira Paibis, powerful vigilante group of Hindu majority Meitei women (AP)

Amid the raging violence in Manipur, the state government resumed the campaign for the biometric capture of all illegal Myanmar immigrants in the state on Saturday. The development came as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) instructed the state government to complete the campaign for the biometric capture of illegal Myanmar immigrants in Manipur by September 2023.

Manipur government said that the Home Ministry has deputed a team from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) who will be assisted by state government employees in the biometric capturing exercise.

“A team of officials of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), deputed by the Ministry of Home Affairs for training and handholding of State Government Officers in this campaign, assisted the State Government officials in capturing biometric data of illegal immigrants at Foreigners’ Detention Centre, Sajwa, Imphal East District today,” a release from Manipur government said.

“The campaign will continue in all districts until biometric data of all illegal Myanmar immigrants in the State are successfully captured. The same is targeted for completion by September 2023,” the release added.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-resumes-biometric-capture-of-illegal-myanmar-immigrants-to-be-completed-by-sep-11690648513007.html

INDIA Delegation In Manipur, Day 2: Opposition MPs To Meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey Today

On the first day of their visit, the Opposition delegation went to four relief camps, two in Churachandpur, one in Imphal, and one in Moirang.

The delegation of 20 MPs of Opposition bloc INDIA will meet Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey today, the second day of their two-day visit to the violence-hit state. On the first day, they visited four relief camps, two in Churachandpur, one in Imphal and one in Moirang.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, “I.N.D.I.A. alliance is the only delegation which is continuously visited Manipur. We have always said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to lead an all-party delegation, we would be happy to be a part of it. In the end, we want peace to be established.”

“Political parties from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu want to have a dialogue with the people and we want their concerns to be presented in Parliament,” he added.

Gogoi said that the Opposition leaders have identified four relief camps, and after sharing the experience within the delegation, they will meet the Manipur Governor.

“We have visited a total of four relief camps, two in Churachandpur, one in Imphal, and one in Moirang. Everyone wants peace and everyone wants to build their lives. We will meet with our second team and share our experiences and tomorrow we will meet the Governor. We have come to Manipur to understand the expectations of the people and we will convey that in Parliament,” Gogoi said.

Source: https://news.abplive.com/northeast/manipur-visit-day-2-opposition-delegation-india-bloc-mps-to-meet-governor-anusuiya-uikey-today-1619309

‘Pre-planned’: Manipur CM Biren Singh hints at external forces behind violence

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh hinted at a foreign hand behind the ethnic violence in the state in which over 100 people have been killed. He added that the violence seemed “pre-planned”.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday hinted at “a foreign hand” behind the violence that has gripped the state since May 3 following the organisation of a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts.

The chief minister said that external elements may have had a hand in the ethnic clashes, adding that it seemed “pre-planned”, reported news agency ANI.

“Manipur shares its borders with Myanmar. China is also nearby. As much as 398 km of our borders are porous and unguarded. There are security forces deployed on our frontiers, but even a robust and extensive security deployment can’t cover such a vast area. However, going by what’s happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm…it seems pre-planned but the reason is not clear,” the Manipur chief minister said.

He said the Centre and the state government were making all efforts to restore peace to the state, adding that he spoke with his “Kuki brothers and sisters” over the telephone earlier in the day, saying, “Let’s forgive and forget”.

N Biren Singh also spoke about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur. Questioning the timing of the Gandhi scion’s visit, adding that his visit to the state seemed like “political agenda”.

“We can’t stop anyone. But the timing – it has been 40 days. Why did he not come earlier? He is a Congress leader but in what capacity was he making the visit? I don’t think the timing was right. He seemed to have come with a political agenda. He came and then there was an incident in the market and BJP office was attacked. Did he come for the situation in the state or for political mileage? I don’t support the manner in which he came,” said Manipur chief minister Biren Singh.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/manipur-cm-biren-singh-hints-external-forces-behind-violence-2400697-2023-07-02?utm_source=washare&utm_medium=socialicons&utm_campaign=shareurltracking

Manipur death toll crosses 50 as CM holds all-party meet, Army steps in

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 a relief camp in Assam’s Cachar district on Saturday. PTI

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.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/manipur-death-toll-crosses-50-as-cm-holds-all-party-meet-army-steps-in-8595648/