Steep rise in prices of essentials, internet shutdown hit banking services

IMPHAL: People in ethnic violence-hit Manipur are now experiencing a double whammy as not only prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in the state, but banking facilities remain affected due to the suspension of internet services, making life more miserable for them. In most of the 16 districts, internet services continue to be suspended for 12 days, rendering financial institutions like banks and ATM booths without money. The suspension of mobile internet services has also badly affected important government and non-government services since May 3, when Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counter-attacks, and arson of houses, vehicles, and government and private properties in more than 10 districts.

The transport fuel crisis also put commuters in trouble. The state government authorities are supplying petrol and diesel to two-wheeler and vehicle owners in limited quantities. The curfew in 11 districts is being relaxed for several hours every day in the daytime, allowing the people to procure food and various other essential items. Officials in Imphal said that sporadic incidents of violence and attacks are taking place in certain districts almost every day. A few vacant houses were burned down by suspected Kuki militants in Churachandpur district on Saturday night. Residents of these houses are now living in relief camps.

Defence sources said that a joint Army and Assam Rifles area domination patrol party was fired upon by a group of unidentified armed miscreants in a forest area near Lailampat in Churachandpur district on Saturday.

Two Assam Rifles personnel who sustained gunshot wounds were immediately taken to hospitals. When the security personnel retaliated, the armed miscreants fled from the area. In another incident at Sipijang under Senapati district on Saturday, the area domination patrol team of the Assam Rifles was fired upon by a group of unidentified armed miscreants from the jungle.

Following an effective retaliation, the miscreants ran away, and two rifles and some ammunition were recovered from the area. Meanwhile, the Manipur government's security advisor, Kuldiep Singh, said that during an inspection, some cadres and arms were found missing in some camps where the Kuki militants under the 'Suspension of Operation' agreement have been staying.

After the ethnic violence broke out on May 3, the miscreants and the agitators snatched 1,041 arms and 7,460 pieces of ammunition from the security forces. So far, 423 arms and 6,697 rounds of ammunition have been recovered from them, Singh said.

The central forces, including the Army, also undertook round-the-clock aerial surveillance using drones and military choppers. The Army's three-pronged domination strategy in Manipur is helping the state return to normalcy. The Army is leaving no stone unturned in monitoring the troubled areas, not only in the hinterland but also along the India-Myanmar border, a defence spokesman said. (IANS)

Also Read: Manipur: Amid Sporadic Violence, Internet Services To Remain Suspended For Five More Days

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