Manipur violence: 60 killed, 230 injured, 1700 houses destroyed

IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that at least 60 persons were killed, 230 injured and 1700 houses destroyed in the violence that broke in the state last week.

Addressing his first press conference after unrest hit Manipur, Singh said a high-level enquiry would be conducted in connection with the violence at the earliest.

The state government also approved INR 5 lakh ex-gratia for the kin of those killed, INR 2 lakh for the grievously injured, INR 5,000 for non-grievous injuries and up to INR 2 lakh as relief for families whose houses were burnt down, after proper assessment by the authorities.

‘Let us all strive to bring peace and normalcy in the shortest possible time,’ said the CM while requesting the public to extend maximum cooperation to security forces to enable them execute their tasks.

While seeking public co-operation to create a safe and conducive environment to enable affected families return to their respective homes, he said that relaxation of curfew has started in all districts to enable people buy essential goods.

“I appeal to all not to spread or believe in unfounded, unverified and baseless rumours,” he said.

 During the press briefing attended by several legislators, Singh said that all the people living in the state are Manipuris.

‘We have lived together for ages and the government shares the grief and sorrow of the people affected by the recent violence in the state,’ he said adding that action would be taken on those who instigated the violence.

The government machinery is working round the clock to resolve the crisis, he said.

Singh also lauded Central leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah for immediately reacting to the volatile situation in the state and sending paramilitary forces and security advisor among others to contain the violence.

At present, there are 50 companies of Central Armed Police Force and 105 columns of Assam Rifles/ Army along with 30,000 state police forces, being deployed in various parts of the state to maintain law and order, he added.

The situation is under control in most part of the state and paramilitary forces have been deployed at sensitive areas, he said.

As many as 35,655 persons have been moved to safe locations; this include 1,593 who travelled outside the state, while around 20,000 people from shelter camps were moved to their houses or villages, it was informed.

Ministers Y Khemchand, K Govindas and Awangbow Newmai were also appointed as ministers-in-charge to oversee transportation of stranded persons.

The CM also said that there was no discrimination in the efforts to protect life and property, even as he requested all not hinder the efforts of families and people to return to their homes.

Homes that have been burnt down or damaged will be rebuilt, he said adding that ‘SPs have been directed to identify vulnerable areas and ensure round-the clock provision of full-proof security and protection to land and property in the absence of the owners.

Further, the SPs have been directed to take immediate action as per the law against persons attempting to loot or occupy such land and property, he said, adding that concerned SPs will be held accountable for any lapses in this regard.

Curfew briefly relaxed

People came out to buy essential commodities such as food, eatables and other items during the curfew-relaxation hour on Monday.

Khwairamband Keithel, the main market in Imphal town, was crowded with vegetable vendors and buyers as the district authority relaxed the indefinite curfew from 5am to 8am in Imphal West and Imphal East districts.

In Imphal East district, wangkhei-andro parking area witnessed traffic jams during the curfew relaxation hours as residents came out in large numbers to buy essential commodities.

The police teams then appealed to the public to return to their respective places after the curfew relaxation hours were over.

In view of the improving situation in the state, the district administrations lifted curfew from 1 pm to 3 pm for Thoubal, Kangpokpi, and Kakching; 5 am to 10 am for Jiribam; 8 am to 10 am for Bishnupur; 6am to 6 pm for Pherzawl; 6 am to 10 am and 1 pm to 3 pm for Chandel; and 7 am to 10 am for Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts.

The government also has been facilitating safe passage to affected persons trying to reach their homes across the state.

Appeal to media

The government of Manipur appealed to the media to refrain from carrying news items based on unverified information and not to spread rumours and misinformation.

The government also assured to make all possible efforts to maintain peace and safety of all, without discrimination against any community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders including Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and extending all possible assistance to the state government through deployment of a large number of central para-military forces in violence-hit areas, said the press release.

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