Curfew relaxed in Imphal west for three hours, aerial surveillance continues

Curfew was imposed in the state on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between Kuki tribals and the Meitei community. Thousands of people have been displaced and at least 54 people have been killed in the clashes, official sources said.

Tezpur (Assam):The Manipur government declared a three-hour relaxation in the curfew that has been imposed in several districts of Manipur. Internet services, which were suspended in the state after violence broke out, are likely to remain shut until further orders, according to authorities.

Over 100 platoons of the Army and Assam Rifles have been working tirelessly to maintain law and order in Manipur. Defence Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat informed that in particular areas, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and helicopters have been pressed into service for surveillance not only in the hinterland, but also along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The use of the third dimension is of utmost importance in modern military warfare. It gives the security forces a major edge not only to carry out effective surveillance of anti-national elements, but also target elements that may harm important installations. Employment of these assets is giving a major fillip to the effectiveness of the Army and Assam Rifles, the success of which is evident on the ground in Manipur not only in the hinterland, but also at the Indo-Myanmar Border to prevent any misadventure attempt by Manipur Valley Based Insurgent Groups staying across in various camps.

When ETV Bharat contacted the Home Secretary of the Manipur government Rehanudin Chudhury about the situation, but did not disclose it as a protocol. Director of Information and Public Relations Heisnam Balakrishnan said the curfew has been relaxed in Imphal West, along with a few other places for three hours today also. He said people were evacuated especially students, who were sent to their respective states, on Sunday, and the process was going on.

On Sunday, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey convened a meeting with Kuldip Singh, Security Adviser to the Government of Manipur and Ashutosh Sinha, ADGP, overall Operational Commander of the present turmoil arising in the state, and discussed the issue in depth. During the meeting, the officers gave their valuable suggestions to solve the unprecedented and unfortunate incidents, sources said.

Curfew was imposed in the state on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between Kuki tribals and the Meitei community. Thousands of people have been displaced and at least 54 people have been killed in the clashes, official sources said.