Imphal, May 04, 2023 (PPI-OT): The Indian Army and the Assam Rifles continued their flag marches while the government has issued ‘Shoot at Sight’ order in violence-hit Indian state Manipur.
Curfew and social media restrictions have been imposed while internet services have been suspended by the Manipur government across the state on Wednesday for five days to curb the tension, triggered after a public rally ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ against the demand for inclusion of Metei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe category.
The additional Indian troops and paramilitary forces were airlifted to the north-eastern state, and in view of the prevailing situation, the Manipur government authorised all District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates to issue “Shoot at sight orders” in extreme cases.
An Indian defence spokesman said that Army and Assam Rifles personnel conducted flag marches and aerial reconnaissance in areas of Khuga, Tampa, and Khomaujanbba areas of Churachandpur district, Mantripukhri, Lamphel, and Koeirangi area of Imphal West District, and Sugnu in Kakching districts.
“Total 55 columns of Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed so far. Additional 14 columns were also kept on standby for deployment on short notice,” the Defence PRO told media men. Police said that sporadic incidents of clashes, attacks and arson took place in several districts and tension prevailed in the few hill districts after the Wednesday’s ATSUM-backed rallies.
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