Manipur Violence: Curfew Relaxed In 2 Imphal Districts For 7 Hours

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• Aug 4, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Manipur government on Friday lifted the curfew in two districts of Imphal for...

Digital Desk: The Manipur government on Friday lifted the curfew in two districts of Imphal for seven hours to allow people to buy necessities. This comes a day after the government implemented the restrictions in response to a new wave of violence, withdrawing earlier announced relaxations.

The restrictions were lifted in Manipur's Imphal East and West districts from 5 a.m. to noon on Friday.

According to orders issued by district magistrates in Imphal East and West, the curfew was relaxed to "allow the general public to purchase essential commodities, such as medicines and food items."

With the curfew lifted for seven hours, many people could be seen thronging the markets to buy necessities. The shops saw a heavy crowd as security personnel kept a strict vigil to avoid any untoward incidents.

The police also facilitate the movement of vehicles transporting necessary items on National Highways 37 and 32.

It should be noted that the curfew was reimposed in the state's Imphal West and Imphal East districts on Thursday, after clashes between security personnel and the public in Churachandpur.

According to PTI, about 25 people suffered injuries after Army and RAF forces shot tear gas shells in Kangvai and Phougakchao regions of Bishnupur to prevent processions from traveling to a proposed burial site, violating gathering restrictions.

In a statement, the state police urged the public not to believe rumors and to be cautious of fake videos spreading on social media. A helpline has also been established to allow people to report fraudulent videos and rumor-mongering.

The overall situation in the strife-torn state remains tense, with security personnel, especially the Rapid Action Force (RAF), maintaining a close eye on all impacted districts to avert any untoward incidents.