Indian Army officials have announced that Army Chief General Manoj Pande will be visiting Manipur today to assess the security situation in light of recent violence in the region. He will receive briefings from Eastern Command officials regarding the measures taken to control the situation.
In response to reports of fresh violence, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have intensified security across Manipur. The security teams in Imphal East and Churchandpur successfully prevented firing incidents between two communities, as armed individuals fired shots and fled to higher areas. No casualties have been reported, and further operations are underway.
The ongoing violence in Manipur stems from the Manipur High Court’s directive to the state to implement a 10-year-old recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei community. The clashes have resulted in numerous casualties and the burning of houses, with new incidents reported in various parts of the state.
To address the situation, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has deployed additional security forces, including Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and Village Defence Force (VDF) in 38 vulnerable areas.
The government is making efforts to engage in peace talks with all sections of the population and has been coordinating with various peace committees formed in response to the prevailing situation.
Chief Minister Singh has appealed to the public to avoid engaging in violence and spreading unfounded rumors that could further escalate tensions among different communities. He has requested their support in the government’s endeavors to restore normalcy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to visit Manipur for three days to address the situation and promote peace.
Union Home Minister Shah has appealed to both groups involved in the clashes to maintain peace, assuring them that justice will be served. He expressed his intention to visit Manipur personally and engage with the people to establish peace.
