Imphal, May 07 (Hindustan Times). Curfew was relaxed for three hours from 7 am on Sunday in Churachandpur following sustained efforts by the Army and Assam Rifles to control the situation in Manipur. The Army has increased aerial surveillance, surveillance from UAVs and redeployed Army helicopters within the Imphal Valley.
Army and Assam Rifles have been making continuous efforts for 96 hours to evacuate civilians from the area, control violence and restore normalcy. For this reason, there has not been any major incident of violence in the area so far. Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed for 3 hours from 7 am today and flag march was conducted by security forces.
After the violence in Manipur on May 3, an unpleasant and volatile atmosphere prevailed in the state. Immediately after the incident, the state government took several steps to control the situation with the promptness of the state police, but in the last 24 hours, the army has significantly increased the surveillance efforts. At present, the Army has increased aerial surveillance, surveillance from UAVs and redeployment of Army helicopters within the Imphal Valley. The Army today informed that a total of 23,000 people have been evacuated from volatile areas and shifted to operating bases/military garrisons.
The situation is normal in the state, yet internet service is still suspended as a precautionary measure. Curfew is applicable in sensitive areas. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has held an all party meeting to normalize the situation in the state. The Governor has also appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony. Meanwhile, on the request of the Manipur government, the central government has sent IAS Vineet Joshi back to Manipur.
