Violence-hit Manipur limping back to normalcy

NEW DELHI: As the situation in strife-torn Manipur limps back to normal on Saturday, the death toll, according to official sources, in the ethnic violence that engulfed the state rose to 54. However, unconfirmed reports placed the death toll at over 100 and the number of injured at nearly 200.

Most of the shops and markets in Imphal town and nearby places opened on Saturday morning, with people buying vegetables and other essential commodities amid massive deployments of security personnel.

In a related development, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed his government to give shelter and look after more than 1,100 people who crossed over to Assam from Manipur following the violence in the neighbouring state and took shelter in the adjoining area of Cachar district.

Informing that most of these people are from Manipur's Jiribam district and surrounding areas, official sources said that most of the migrants are from the Kuki community and they fear that their homes back in Manipur have been destroyed by the groups that attacked them on Thursday night when they fled to Assam for safety.

Meanwhile, the security presence has been bolstered in Manipur by flying in more Army troops and Central police forces, which were clearly visible at all major roads and areas.

Nearly 10,000 Army, paramilitary and Central police forces have been deployed in the state where rioting broke out after demonstrations were organised by tribals, including Kukis and Nagas, on Wednesday against a move to give the majority Meitei community scheduled tribe status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of the population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, account for another 40 per cent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts that surround the valley.

Meanwhile, an Assam Rifles column has been instructed to pick up all Naga students in Imphal from pick up points on Sunday for a trip back to Kohima.

Of the 54 dead, 16 bodies were kept in the Churachandpur district hospital mortuary, while 15 bodies were in the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, the officials said.

The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences at Lamphel in Imphal West district reported 23 deaths in violence. The police said that at least five hill-based militants were killed and two India Reserve Battalion jawans were injured in two separate encounters in Churachandpur district on Friday night.

An encounter took place at Saiton in Churachandpur district between the security forces and the militants, in which four militants were gunned down, the police said.

Militants opened fire at security forces at Torbung, forcing them to return the fire. In the exchange of fire, one militant was killed and two IRB jawans were injured, the police said.

Security sources admitted that the clash between the communities that broke out on May 3 had left a large number of people dead and more than 100 injured. However, police were reluctant to confirm the exact number of casualties.

Pointing out that a number of people with bullet injuries are still being treated at RIMS and the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, sources said that many bodies were brought from Imphal East and West, Churachandpur and Bishenpur.

 "A total of approximately 13,000 civilians have been rescued and are currently staying in various makeshift facilities specifically created for the purpose within company operating bases and military garrisons," the defence official said.

Meanwhile, IndiGo has announced it will operate two special additional flights from Imphal to Kolkata on Saturday, adding more capacity for travellers flying out of the state.

In view of the prevailing situation, the NEET (UG)-2023 has been postponed for candidates who were allotted examination centres in Manipur and the exam date for candidates whose test centre was in Manipur will be announced soon.

In an official notification issued on Saturday, the National Testing Agency said, "This is to inform you that the NEET (UG)-2023 Exam has been postponed for the candidates who were allotted examination centres in the state of Manipur and their exam will be held at a later date."