Manipur: Imphal Calm but Tense After Security Forces Foil Attempt to Loot Armoury

IMPHAL: The capital city of Imphal in Manipur experienced a day of tension but relative calm after security forces thwarted an attempt by a large mob, comprising over 2,000 individuals, to loot an armoury within the camp of the 1 Manipur Rifles. The situation remained under control, and there was a notable presence of security personnel in the region.

While several markets in the city chose to remain closed, educational institutions, government offices, and the Manipur High Court operated as usual. Vehicles were observed on the roads as the curfew was relaxed from 10 am, signaling a return to normalcy in the city.

In response to Wednesday's incident, the district authorities withdrew the daily curfew relaxation in Imphal East and West. District Magistrate Imphal East, however, decided to ease the curfew from 10 am to 6 pm on Thursday, and a similar decision was made in Imphal West from 10 am to 5 pm.

A government order stated, "The restriction of movements of persons outside their respective residences has been relaxed from 10 am to 6 pm on Thursday," but emphasized that this relaxation did not apply to any unlawful gatherings, large-scale movements, sit-in protests, or rallies.

The situation leading to these events has been marked by tension and violence after a deputy superintendent of police (SDPO) from the majority community was fatally shot by tribal militants in Moreh town. In a separate incident, three police personnel sustained bullet injuries during an ambush on a convoy of state forces in Tengnoupal district.

Notably, the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) declared a 48-hour shutdown in the state to protest against the deployment of additional police commandos in Moreh town following the SDPO's death. The state has been grappling with recurrent episodes of violence since ethnic clashes erupted in May, claiming the lives of more than 180 individuals.

These clashes are rooted in various grievances on both sides, with a central point of contention being the attempt to grant Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status. While Meiteis comprise approximately 53% of Manipur's population, residing primarily in the Imphal Valley, tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute around 40% of the population and reside predominantly in the hill districts.

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