Imphal: The violence backed by Churches and Kuki militant groups continues for the second day in Manipur. Companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed to control the violence that erupted on May 4 during the protest rally organised by the tribal student union in Churachandpur district.
On the second day, the toll touches 11 (8 Imphal West, 1 Bishnupur, 1 Tengnoupal and 1 Kangpokpi district)
People with sophisticated weapons ablaze houses in Mairenpat, Pukhao and Dolaithabi areas under Imphal East. The suspected Kuki militants also burned down the entire Meitei/ Hindu village, Ikou, under the Imphal East district.
There are also reports of heavy exchange of firing between state security forces and tribal militants at Laipham Khunou under Imphal East and Kangvai under Churachandpur.
At the direction of the Union Home Ministry, five companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) arrived, and ADGP (Intelligence) Ashutosh Sinha was assigned as the Overall Operational Commander to bring normalcy to the State.
Meanwhile, the Centre has invoked Article 355, and the maintenance of law and order of the State will come under the Central Government while the State government directed to issue “shoot at sight” orders to all the concerned Magistrates.
According to sources, above 10000 people were displaced till May 4 morning, and it may increase as the unrest continues in some parts adjoining Bishnupur- Churachandpur districts.
Local volunteers and para-military forces are conducting relief and evacuation work in different parts of the State.
