Curfew imposed again in Manipur

A curfew has been imposed again in three districts in the Indian state of Manipur on Tuesday amid the ongoing conflict in the state, India Today reported.

The conflict in Manipur has escalated again, with recent incidents of violence and protests adding to the turmoil. Due to the escalation of violence, a curfew has been imposed in Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts.

In an earlier order, the district magistrates of Imphal East and Imphal West had announced relaxation of curfew in the respective districts from 5 am to 10 am on Tuesday. However, due to the “developing law and order situation” in the districts, the relaxation order was cancelled from 11 am on Tuesday and curfew was reimposed in both districts, the DMs said in a release.

However, essential services, including media, electricity, court and health, are exempted from the curfew, the statement said.

A total of eight people have died and over 12 injured in a fresh wave of violence in the state, which includes drone and missile attacks.

Students from various schools and colleges set up camps at the Khwairamband Women Market in Imphal on Monday. The students, in their uniforms, were helped by women shopkeepers to set up camps at the market, news agency PTI reported.

Thousands of students protested in front of the Manipur Secretariat and Raj Bhavan on Monday, demanding action against those behind the recent drone and missile attacks, and calling for the protection of the state’s “territorial and administrative integrity”.

Over 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.