Tezpur (Assam): After 48 hours, the violence that erupted in Manipur has come under control, Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said this evening in a statement. Rawat said that Army and Assam Rifles were deployed by the Manipur government aftermath of inter-community clashes.
The army received a prompt response from Security Forces that led to the rescuing of civilians of all communities from various minority pockets of areas affected by violence. As a result of proactive and timely response, Churachandpur, KPI, Moreh and Kakching are now under firm control with no major violence reported since last night, he said.
In the past 12 hours, Imphal East & West districts witnessed sporadic incidents of arson and attempts by inimical elements to establish a blockade, towards which a firm and synergised response coupled with the induction of additional columns ensured control of Security Forces over the situation.
Also read: When Manipur is burning, PM Modi campaigning in Karnataka, alleges Congress
In the past approximately 48 hours, Army, Assam Rifles and Air Force, along with civil administration, worked tirelessly to restore law and order and bring back normalcy in Manipur. Proactive rescue operations, the conduct of flag marches, area domination, and interaction with local influencers helped the security forces to control the violent situation.
A total of approximately 13,000 civilians have been rescued and are currently staying in various shelters created by security forces and state administration. So far, more than 100 columns are working tirelessly towards restoring law and order in Manipur at the earliest. Indian Army remains committed to restoring law and order situation and appeals for peace and urges all communities to shun the path of violence.
Meanwhile, according to the Cachar administration sources hundreds of people fled Manipur on Friday morning and took shelter at Union High School in the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar district and Markling Church in the Markling area. But with the passage of time, the number of refugees taking shelter is also reported to have increased. So far, more than 700 people have fled their homes in Manipur and taken shelter in Cachar district.
During a press meet, the Director General of Police said, ''14 companies of The Rapid Action Forces (CRPF, BSF, Para-Military) have been deployed in the state so far. Specially trained para-military forces will be deployed to deal with the situation. So far we have been able to successfully keep 15,000-20,000 victims in a safe place."
The DGP also appealed to the people to return the weapons snatched by the agitated people from the police at the earliest and surrender. He warned that those who do not surrender with weapons will have to face terrible consequences as well as falling into the wrath of the law. Even the case will be filed in the NIA court if the weapons are surrendered.
Police have already identified areas of 23 sensitive police stations. Besides deploying central forces in the disturbed areas senior police officials have taken adequate measures to control the situation. The situation in the state has improved a bit recently. The Director General of Police urged the public to cooperate with the police.
Meanwhile, there were rumours of a gangrape in Churachandpur, the director general of police said. BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who was injured in the protesters' attack on Thursday, is still admitted in the hospital. The police official said he is currently out of danger.
