Manipur: Unknown armed miscreants exchange fire

IMPHAL— Intermittent firing between unknown armed miscreants was reported at Luwangshangoi/Phaileng area, adjoining Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts of violence-hit Manipur on Wednesday, according to the police.

Police and central forces launched an operation in the area and the armed miscreants were repelled from the area, police said in a statement.

It happened a day after unknown miscreants exchanged fire above Langza village near Khoijumantabi.

“Today, 4 bunkers were destroyed in Kangpokpi, Imphal West and Churachandpur districts by a combined team of Manipur police and central security forces. Other districts are also destroying the bunkers built in the fringe area,” read the police statement.

It added that the situation is tense in some places with sporadic incidents of firing and congregation of unruly mob during the past 24 hours, while the situation is normal in most districts.

About 124 checkpoints have been installed in different districts, both in the hill and the valley and police have detained 250 persons in connection with the same.

Meanwhile the state authorities have extended the suspension of Internet services till July 10, to prevent the spread of rumours and violent content.

Schools reopen with low attendance

About 4,521 schools in Manipur reopened for classes 1 to 8 on Wednesday after remaining closed since May 4, but officials said only 20 per cent students attended on an average.

At Wangkhei High School, only about 113 students out of 829 (from Class 1 to 8) attended classes on Wednesday, it was informed.

Meanwhile, classes could not be resumed at 96 schools in eight districts owing to relief camps being set in the premises, for which, the director of Directorate of Education said discussions are on to find an alternative arrangement.

The state authority announced on Monday that classes will resume till Class 12 after constructing prefabricated houses for displaced people.