Manipur: Lull in Violence Over The Past 24 Hours, Looted Weapons Recovered

IMPHAL: Manipur’s Information and Public Relations Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan informed that there were no untoward incidents reported from any part of the state in the last 24 hours, signaling a ray of hope in this strife-hit state.

“No untoward incident has taken place in the state since yesterday, this is proof that peace and normalcy are returning to our state. Combing operations have been launched at various places across the state,” said Dr. Sapam Ranjan.

Speaking to media persons in Imphal, the minister stressed that all appropriate security measures have been taken in the state to restore peace and harmony among different warring communities.

He also informed that a total of 349 relief camps are at present operational across the state.

Regarding looted weaponry, he said, out of the total of 4,537 looted weapons, there has been recovery of 990 pieces of arms by the state government. The recovered weaponry includes around 53 weapons, 39 bombs and 74 ammunition and magazines, Ranjan added.

He went on to say that all efforts are being put in by the government to ensure availability of rail services reaching Khongsang, through activation of the railway station there within seven to ten days.

Meanwhile, at least 22 weapons were recovered by security forces in Manipur on Saturday, resulting from the continued joint combing operations being carried out for the fourth consecutive day. The security forces, by continuing their operations across the state with proper diligence in the past 24 hours, has avoided any unwanted problems for the locals, while recovering the 22 weapons, comprising mostly automatics, said Indian Army sources.

A people-friendly approach has been adopted while carrying out the operations, which included making announcements for surrendering of illegal arms voluntarily before conducting searches in specific areas. It is being ensured that magistrates were present along with the security formations during search operations conducted in non-AFSPA areas.

In a related development, Mizoram Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for formation of a ‘joint parliamentary team’ to conduct an independent probe into the Manipur violence.

Vanlalvena letter to PM Modi said, “I request that a joint parliamentary team be formed in which Christian MPs are also included and sent to the affected areas to carry out an independent investigation on the entire sequence of events so that the truth may be unearthed and justice is delivered.”

The Mizoram MP also pointed out in the letter that over 42 churches, including six belonging to the Meitei Christians, were burned down along with houses, shops and vehicles belonging to the tribal community during the violence in Manipur.

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