Security tightened in Manipur ahead of ethnic strife’s second anniversary

advertisement

Imphal, May 2: Security has been tightened across Manipur as a precautionary measure ahead of the second anniversary of the start of the ethnic strife in the state on May 3, 2023, officials said on Friday.

Police have intensified frisking and vehicle checks at key locations in Imphal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi district headquarters to monitor the movement of anti-social elements.

Security has also been beefed up in and around Khuman Lampak in Imphal, where the Manipur People’s Convention is scheduled. Central forces have been deployed in front of Kangla Gate, officials added.

“The security beef-up is a precautionary measure to prevent any unwanted activities by anti-social elements in the state, particularly on Saturday,” an official said.

advertisement

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei social organisation, has called on the public to suspend all activities on May 3 and attend the convention.

Volunteers have used public address systems to remind citizens of the violence over the past two years and to highlight the alleged threat to the territorial and administrative integrity of the state.

The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) have also called for a shutdown on May 3 in all Kuki-dominated areas.

They encouraged participation in the observation event planned by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum at the Churachandpur district headquarters.

In a joint statement, the student bodies said, “May 3 marks the completion of two years since the outbreak of ethnic violence,” and urged everyone “to observe the day in silence by closing all educational institutions and business establishments.”

They also called on people to hoist black flags at their residences as a mark of mourning.

More than 260 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 2023.

In a separate development, during a police operation, two active members of the banned outfit UNLF (Koireng faction) were arrested from North AOC in Imphal West district.

They have been identified as Huidrom Pishak (35) and Hanglem Thoiba Meitei. A 9mm pistol loaded with two live rounds was recovered from their possession. (PTI)

advertisement

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Chyne slams VPP-led EC for indulging in personal attacks

Shillong, Oct 23: Leader of Opposition in the Khasi...

VPP EM defends Hindi as ‘national language’

Shillong, Oct 23: A remark by Voice of the...

Tejashwi CM face for Bihar polls, VIP’s Sahani to be his deputy: INDIA bloc

Patna, Oct 23: The opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday...

Threads of change bring better days for Ri-Bhoi weaver

Shillong, Oct 23: A region with temperate climate, Ri-Bhoi...

Heated exchange of words in KHADC over ‘press freedom’

Shillong, Oct 23: The House of Khasi Hills Autonomous...

Chargesheet in rape-murder filed in record two weeks

Shillong, Oct 23: In a step towards ensuring speedy...

Govt initiates process to appoint seniormost SC judge Justice Surya Kant as 53rd CJI

New Delhi, Oct 23: The government on Thursday initiated...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories